When you live in an area with changeable, often unpredictable weather like Gold Coast, a working air conditioner is a lifesaver. But while you’re enjoying the cool air, there’s a tiny, unexpected intruder that could be damaging your system from the inside – geckos. If you want to keep geckos out of your air conditioner, you’ll need to take preventative measures.
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What are geckos?
According to Conquer Termites Pest Management, Geckos are small lizards commonly found in warm regions, including South East Queensland. Agile climbers, they can scale walls, slip through tiny gaps, and even cling upside down to ceilings. These skills make it easy for them to enter outdoor AC units in search of shelter, warmth, or the perfect humid environment.
On Gold Coast, it’s not unusual to find these small lizards making themselves at home inside an air conditioning unit – especially if the unit is outdoors and unprotected.
Why are they a problem?
While these “unwelcome guests” might seem harmless, they can cause serious damage to your AC. Once inside, they often crawl across high-voltage electronic components. Unfortunately, this can kill the gecko instantly and lead to burnt-out circuit boards or damaged wiring.
Repairing or replacing these parts isn’t cheap, in our perspectives. Even worse, repeated incidents can shorten the lifespan of your air conditioner. That’s why it’s important to keep geckos out of your air conditioner before they cause any costly harm.
How to keep geckos out of your air conditioner
At DEEPCHILL, we’ve seen firsthand how much damage geckos can do. Here are some proven methods to deter them:
- Use lanolin spray – These lizards dislike the greasy texture and smell, making it harder for them to climb onto components.
- Mothballs – Their strong scent repels geckos. Place them near the base of your outdoor unit (but keep away from pets and children).
- Garlic or onions – These strong-smelling foods can keep these tiny creatures away when placed near potential entry points.
- Eggshells – Leave two half-shells at entry points; lizards perceive them as predators and steer clear.
- Cayenne pepper or Tabasco spray – Mix with water and spray around the AC’s base or wall. The spicy scent deters geckos.
However, the best way to avoid expensive repairs is prevention. If you’ve seen geckos near your outdoor unit, it’s time to act. And while DIY methods can help, there’s a more specialised solution we’ll be talking about soon – one designed to give your air conditioner long-term protection from any pests. Stay tuned with DEEPCHILL – Air conditioning Gold Coast.
