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If you’ve lived in Hawai‘i for more than five minutes, chances are you’ve met one of our unofficial island mascots — the gecko. They cling to walls, chirp at night, and occasionally leave “presents” in places you wish they wouldn’t.

Here at Kilauea Pest Control, we get this question all the time:

“Do you treat for lizards and geckos?”

The short answer is no.
The slightly longer answer? They’re not considered pests in the same sense as roaches, ants, or termites. In fact, geckos can actually be helpful! They eat mosquitoes, moths, flies, and even small roaches. But we get it… not everyone enjoys sharing their home with them.

So while we don’t directly treat them, we do have tips to make your home a little less inviting to our scaly neighbors.

Why Geckos & Lizards Come Inside

If you see them indoors, it’s usually for one (or more) of these reasons:

• Food source – Roaches, ants, moths, and small flying bugs are gecko takeout.
  
• Shelter – They love warm, safe hiding spots (behind furniture, appliances, curtains).
  
• Light at night – Outdoor and indoor lighting attracts insects, which in turn attracts geckos.
  
• Moisture – Pet water bowls, leaky pipes, or damp areas can all make your home appealing.
  

But I Don’t See Any Bugs… Why Are They Still Here?

We hear this one a lot. Just because you don’t see bugs doesn’t mean there’s nothing for geckos to snack on.

Here’s why they might still be around:

• Tiny, unseen pests – Think fruit flies, midges, mites, or gnats. You might not notice them, but geckos do.
  
• Your yard is a buffet – Lush landscaping, blooming plants, or fruit trees bring insects close to your home.
  
• Location, location, location – Homes near gulches, streams, or open green space naturally get more gecko traffic.
  
• Warmth & safety – Geckos are cold-blooded and will seek warm, dry spaces even if there’s no visible food.
  

Where They’re Getting In

Even the best-sealed homes in Hawai‘i have tiny gaps. Common gecko entry points include:

• Gaps under or around doors
  
• Torn or loose window screens
  
• Cracks around windows
  
• Roof vents or soffit gaps
  
• Open jalousie windows
  
• Gaps around pipes or utility lines
  

How to Reduce Gecko & Lizard Activity

We can’t promise a gecko-free home (that’s nearly impossible in Hawai‘i), but these steps can help reduce how many you see:

1. Reduce Their Food Source

• Keep other pests under control — roaches, ants, moths, and flies are the main draw.
  
• Store food in sealed containers.
  
• Wipe counters and sweep floors regularly to avoid attracting bugs in the first place.
  

2. Limit Light Attraction

• Use yellow “bug lights” for outdoor fixtures.
  
• Close blinds or curtains at night to reduce insect draw.
  

3. Seal Entry Points

• Repair torn screens and weather stripping.
  
• Seal cracks and gaps around doors, windows, and vents.
  

4. Manage Landscaping

• Trim plants so they don’t touch your house.
  
• Avoid dense vegetation right up against the walls.
  
• Keep mulch, firewood, and yard debris away from the foundation.
  

5. Reduce Indoor Hiding Spots

• Move furniture away from walls where possible.
  
• Declutter shelves, corners, and storage areas.
  

Dealing With Gecko Droppings

If you’ve found mysterious little brown pellets with a white tip… congratulations, you’ve met gecko poop.

How to identify:

• About 1/4 inch long, 1/8 inch wide
  
• Brown body with a distinct white tip (the urea cap)
  
• Often found on windowsills, counters, or under beams
  

Cleaning tips:

• Wear disposable gloves.
  
• Spray with a mild disinfectant before wiping — this keeps dust and bacteria from becoming airborne.
  
• Avoid sweeping or vacuuming droppings without pre-wetting.
  

While gecko droppings don’t carry the same serious diseases as rodent poop, it’s still best to clean them promptly.

The Reality of Geckos in Hawai‘i

At the end of the day, geckos are part of island life. They’re harmless, quiet (most of the time), and actually help with other pest populations. But if they’re leaving too many droppings or making themselves too comfortable, the tips above can help keep the peace. Bottom line: We may not treat for geckos directly, but by controlling other pests and making your home less inviting, you can often reduce gecko traffic without harming these helpful little hunters.

At Kilauea Pest Control, we believe in taking care of our people the same way we care for our community — with genuine respect, a sense of responsibility, and a spirit of aloha. We’re proud to represent our home, Hawai‘i, on a national stage while staying true to the values that shape us. When our team feels valued, supported, and empowered, everything else naturally follows.

This year, that commitment was recognized nationwide. PCT Magazine named Kilauea Pest Control the No. 1 Large-Sized Pest Control Company in the Nation in their 2025 Best Places to Work awards.

We’re honored. We’re humbled. And we know this recognition belongs to our entire Kilauea ‘ohana: our hardworking pest control technicians, our customer care crew, our managers, and the customers who trust us in their homes and businesses every day.

Why This Matters to Us

This award doesn’t measure sales or size. It’s about people. According to PCT Magazine, they evaluate “leadership, corporate culture, communication, role satisfaction, work environment, training, development, pay and benefits, and overall engagement.”

Our Train-the-Trainer program may have stood out. It’s one of the ways we invest in our team’s growth by empowering experienced employees to mentor and lead the next generation. But the heart of our recognition comes from something deeper: the close-knit, goal-driven team we’ve built here in Hawai‘i. We operate like an ‘ohana — supporting each other while striving to improve, reach goals, and serve our community better every day.

Rooted in Hawai‘i, Built for People

Living and working in Hawai‘i shapes everything we do. Our islands teach us to value relationships, adapt to unique challenges, and think creatively when finding solutions. That means our workplace culture isn’t just “friendly” — it’s connected, collaborative, and grounded in trust.

From making sure parents can attend school events to building strong mentorship opportunities, we focus on what matters most to our team so they can give their best to our customers.

“To watch the team grow as individuals, grow in their business acumen, grow in their work-life balance — this is the greatest reward.” — John Speed, President

Looking Ahead: Meeting the Needs of Our Community

In Hawai‘i, needs change quickly, and finding the right solutions is easier said than done. But with the growth, resources, and dedication our team has built, we’re ready to meet those needs head-on.

That means:

• Expanding leadership development programs so more of our team can step into roles that inspire and lead.
• Growing new divisions — from pools to rodent exclusion — to provide solutions that make life in Hawai‘i safer, more comfortable, and more sustainable.
• Continuing to give back to the community that has supported us from day one.

Mahalo Nui Loa

Being named No. 1 in the nation is a milestone, but it’s not our finish line. We’ll continue to grow, adapt, and serve with aloha, representing Hawai‘i with pride wherever the work takes us.

Mahalo for being part of our journey. Want to read the full feature from PCT Magazine? Click here to see their 2025 Best Places to Work list and learn more about what makes Kilauea Pest Control stand out on a national stage.

Storm season in Hawai‘i doesn’t always bring a direct hit — but it does bring rain, humidity, and the kind of unpredictable weather that has everyone checking the radar just in case.

Even when a storm passes us by, all that moisture and movement outside can stir things up. It’s often when bugs and critters make themselves known — not necessarily because they just got here, but because now they’re on the move, looking for shelter, food, or a break from the weather.

If you’re spotting more roaches, centipedes, or mosquitoes lately, you’re probably not alone. Here’s why storm season tends to bring pests out of hiding — and what you can do about it.

Why Storms Stir Up Pests

Flooded nests and burrows = pest relocation
When their usual hiding spots get soaked, bugs and rodents start looking for somewhere safer and drier — which often means inside your home.

Leaf piles, debris, and yard waste = bug hotels
Branches, mulch, and clogged gutters make perfect shelters for pests to hide, nest, and multiply.

Standing water = mosquito paradise
Even a small amount of leftover water can become a breeding ground. Gutters, buckets, toys, and pots left out after the rain? Perfect for mosquito babies.

The Usual Post-Storm Suspects (in Hawai‘i)

American Roaches

Also known as B52s or the State Bird, depending who you ask. These sewer roaches love warm, damp places and will often pop up through drains after heavy rain. 

Centipedes

They love dark, damp spaces — which makes garages, closets, and laundry rooms the perfect hideouts after a storm. When their usual outdoor homes flood, they’ll head inside to find a balance of dry and humid.

Rats and Mice

Flooded burrows or soaked hiding spots can send them looking for higher, drier ground. They’re smart, sneaky, and if there’s food nearby, they’ll do their best to find it.

Mosquitoes

Anything holding water is an open invitation. From trash can lids to plant trays, even a little standing water can lead to a whole new generation of mosquitoes buzzing around your ankles.

Termites

Damp wood from storm damage is termite heaven. If a colony was already in the neighborhood, the extra moisture could be their signal to settle in and get to work.

“Storm-Proofing” Your House From Pests

A little prep before and after a storm can help keep the pest pressure down. Here’s what we recommend:

• Clear out leaves, branches, and yard debris — especially near your home
  
• Check for gaps, torn screens, or new cracks that might’ve opened up in the wind
  
• Don’t leave wet towels, cardboard, or clothes sitting around — they attract bugs
  
• Keep trash sealed tight and stored properly
  
• Pour a little bleach down your drains to help discourage sewer roaches
  

When to Call the Pros

If you’re seeing more bugs than usual after a storm, and they stick around, it might be time to call us.

Stormy weather can definitely bring pests out of hiding, and it doesn’t always mean there’s a big problem. But if things aren’t going back to normal a few days later, or if the roaches, centipedes, or mosquitoes start becoming regulars, it’s worth getting things checked out.

Even if you’re not seeing much now, regular pest control can be just as much a part of your storm prep as batteries and bottled water. Keeping up with routine service helps create a solid defense before bugs even have a reason to move in.

Of course, the occasional pest can always find its way inside. That’s just life in Hawai‘i. But it doesn’t hurt to stay on top of things, especially when the weather gets wild.

We’re here to help you figure out what’s seasonal, what’s temporary, and what might need a little extra attention.

Bonus: Watch Out for Rats During Storm Season

As storm season kicks in and we move into Hawai‘i’s rainy months, it’s important to remember that not all pests stay out with regular pest control barriers. One particularly sneaky visitor? Rats.

Like boarding up your windows before a storm, sealing holes and entry points around your home is key to keeping these critters out. When the rain starts, rats get more active and look for cozy, dry places indoors — so rodent exclusion can be a smart step to protect your home. We offer a dedicated Rodent Exclusion Service designed to identify and seal those entry points before rats can move in. It’s a smart way to protect your home when the weather gets wild.