So You Think You've Got Yourself a Florida Roommate: A Guide to What Gecko Wants for Dinner (Besides Your Toes)
Florida: land of sunshine, beaches, retirees living their best life, and...geckos! Lots and lots of geckos. These little insectivores are nature's pest control unit, silently patrolling your walls and ceilings at night, keeping the bug population in check. But what exactly keeps these tiny titans of terror tickin'? Let's get down to the grub, shall we?
The Florida Gecko Buffet: A Smorgasbord of Squirming Delights
Florida's gecko menu is a veritable who's who of the creepy-crawly world. We're talking crickets (nature's popcorn for geckos!), roaches (because, Florida), spiders (shudder), and even the occasional fly that dares to land a little too close.
But wait, there's more! Some bolder geckos might include moths, beetles, worms, and even small snails on their dinner plate.
Fun fact: These little guys are nocturnal hunters, which means they come out to play when you're trying to sleep. So that rustling sound you hear in the darkness? That's just your friendly neighborhood gecko enjoying a midnight snack.
Beyond the Bugs: The Occasional Gourmet Adventure
While insects are the main course on the gecko menu, some Florida geckos might surprise you with their adventurous palates. The giant day gecko, an invasive species in the Sunshine State, has been known to indulge in a bit of nectar and fruit. Talk about a well-rounded diet!
Word to the wise: If you've got a pet gecko, don't try feeding it fruit unless it's a known omnivore species. Stick to the crickets!
How to Spot a Well-Fed Gecko (and Maybe Even Make a Friend?)
A happy gecko is a well-fed gecko. If you see your reptilian roommate sporting a nice, round belly, you know they're catching plenty of dinner. You might even consider them a valuable pest control asset (they are, after all, keeping your roach population down).
Pro tip: If you want to befriend your local gecko, leave a shallow dish of water out for them. They'll appreciate it, and who knows, you might even get a friendly chirp or two in return.
Gecko Chow FAQ:
How to feed a pet gecko? A steady diet of crickets is a good bet, with occasional mealworms or other insects for variety. Dust the feeders with calcium powder to keep your gecko healthy!
How to get rid of geckos in my house (humanely)? Leave light traps out at night to catch insects, which will deter geckos from hanging around. You can also try sealing up any cracks or holes in your walls where they might be getting in.
How to tell what kind of gecko I have? There are a few different species of gecko in Florida. Look online for pictures and descriptions to identify yours.
How long do geckos live? Florida geckos can live for several years, so you might have a long-term roommate on your hands!
Do geckos bite? Yes, but they're not strong enough to break the skin. A gecko bite is more likely to feel like a pinch.
