🦎 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.

1. 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.

Best substrate options:

  • 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.

2. 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

  • Standard 12-hour day/night cycle

  • 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

3. Humidity & Water

Humidity

Mediterranean house geckos prefer moderate humidity.

  • Maintain 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.

Provide:

  • Light evening misting for drinking

  • A small shallow water dish (recommended)

  • Occasional dripper if needed

4. Diet

Mediterranean house geckos are strict 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

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

Notes

  • Avoid oversized feeders

  • They hunt actively and benefit from chase-style enrichment

  • A feeding ledge helps keep insects contained

5. Behavior & Handling

Temperament

Mediterranean house geckos are:

  • Fast

  • Skittish

  • Vocal (chirps and squeaks)

  • Nocturnal

  • Excellent display animals

They are escape artists, capable of squeezing through tiny gaps.

Handling

  • Handling is not recommended

  • They can drop their tails easily

  • 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

6. 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

Vet Care

A reptile veterinarian is recommended for any persistent symptoms or rapid decline.

🦎 Final Notes

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.