🦎 General Info

Mediterranean House Geckos (Hemidactylus turcicus) are small, fast, nocturnal geckos found throughout the Mediterranean region, the Middle East, and many warm climates worldwide, including parts of the southern United States. They are one of the most common “house geckos,” often seen near porch lights hunting insects at night.

Adults reach 4–6 inches, are hardy, easy to care for, and thrive in naturalistic or semi-bioactive enclosures. They are vocal, quick, and excellent hunters. While not ideal for handling, they make great display pets for both beginners and experienced keepers. With proper care, they can live 5–10+ years.

Enclosure

  • Size: Mediterranean house geckos are agile climbers that appreciate vertical space.

    • Single or pair: 12" x 12" x 18" minimum

    • Groups (2–4): 18" x 18" x 24" or larger

    • Bigger is always better, especially with multiple individuals.

  • Material

    • Glass or hybrid terrariums

    • Front-opening doors strongly recommended

    • Good ventilation is important to prevent excess humidity or stale air

  • Substrate

    • They do well in both simple and bioactive setups.

    • Coconut fiber

    • Reptisoil

    • ABG mix

    • Organic topsoil mixes

    • Paper towel for simple/temporary setups

    • Depth: 1–3 inches (deeper for bioactive with plants)

  • Décor

    • Provide lots of vertical climbing options and areas to hide:

    • Cork bark flats and rounds

    • Vines, branches, and bamboo

    • Rock ledges

    • Live or artificial plants

    • Leaf litter

    • Feeding ledges

    • Mediterranean house geckos thrive in densely decorated enclosures that mimic rocky and plant-filled environments.

Temperature & Lighting

  • Ambient Temperature

    • Daytime: 75–82°F

    • Warm side/basking: 88–95°F

    • Cool side: low–mid 70s

    • Night temps: safe down to 70–72°F

  • Lighting

    • Low-intensity UVB (2–5%) is beneficial but optional

    • Light cycle: provide 12-14 hours of light

    • LED plant lights recommended for planted tanks

  • Heating

    • Overhead heat source preferred (small halogen mini dome or heat projector)

    • Always use a thermostat to prevent overheating

Humidity & Water

  • Humidity: 50–70% humidity

    • Mist once daily, usually in the evening

    • Provide some dry areas to prevent constant moisture

  • Water

    • While they often drink droplets from misting, they will also use dishes

    • Light evening misting for drinking

    • A small shallow water dish (recommended)

    • Occasional dripper if needed

Diet

  • Type: Insectivores with fast metabolisms.

  • Staple Foods

    • Feed a variety of appropriately sized insects:

    • Small crickets

    • Fruit flies

    • Roaches (small nymphs)

    • Small mealworms or mini mealworms (occasionally)

    • Black soldier fly larvae

    • Flies or moths when available — excellent enrichment

  • Feeding Schedule:

    • Feed 4–5× per week for juveniles

    • 3–4× per week for adults.

  • Supplements

    • Calcium without D3: every feeding

    • Calcium with D3: 1× weekly

    • Multivitamin: 1× weekly

Behavior & Handling

  • Temperament: Mediterranean House Geckos are very quick, and usually really skittish. They can be vocal, you’ll hear little chirps or a squeaking sound. They are most active at night but do make cool display animals, almost looking a little clear when light is shinning on them. They can fit into very small spaces making them great escape artists.

  • Handling

    • Handling is not generally recommended as they can be very flighty and quick to drop their tails when accidentally grabbed

    • They may bolt when the enclosure door opens

    • Best enjoyed visually rather than physically

  • Enrichment

    • Dense foliage and multiple hides

    • Branches, cork, and climbing structures

    • Occasional re-arranging of décor

    • Offering small, active insects for hunting

Health & Lifespan

  • Lifespan: 5–10+ years with proper care

  • Common Health Issues

    • Dehydration from insufficient humidity

    • Malnutrition from poor feeder variety

    • Stuck shed (especially on toes)

    • Tail loss from stress

    • Parasites (common in wild-caught individuals)

  • Signs of Illness

    • Visible ribs or hip bones

    • Lethargy

    • Refusal to eat

    • Stuck shed on toes or tail

    • Gaping or wheezing

    • Difficulty climbing smooth surfaces

  • Veterinary Care: Schedule annual check-ups with a qualified reptile veterinarian. Fecal exams are crucial for detecting parasites early, especially in imported individuals.

🦎 Final Thoughts

Mediterranean house geckos are hardy, active, and fascinating small reptiles. Their incredible climbing ability, nocturnal hunting behavior, and vocalizations make them rewarding display animals. With the right temperature, humidity, and a cluttered, enriching setup, they thrive and remain highly engaging pets.