Geckos and things...

[cometcatcher (Kevin)]

So, I'm thinking of an ROR here in the tropics where it is heaven to geckos. They get in the tiniest cracks. They poo everywhere. We can't keep them out of the house let alone an obs. I can just see it now, every time I roll off the roof and squash several that are hiding along the rails. Then I get 1 million ants to clean them up.

One of the many problems I am wondering about. And I'm not a very good builder. I have no idea how I am even going to build this thing, but I am going to try. The worst thing that could happen is a snake gets in. Then I would burn it down. How to I keep critters like this out?

[astronobob (Bob)]

Well, it will be an interesting project Kevin, tho, 1st things 1st I reckon, get it built then if there's a will, theres a way - even Re: Geckos !
Well, that's my intitial bob's worth

Tho thunking, if was my issue, initially need gaps very small. On my Caboose I have rubber mat cut into strips, tacked on the bottom edge, just rubbing against the ground 'crete - nothing much getting in at all, tho I do spay now and then Surface Bug spray to stop ants, and that works until a good days rain
Might be able to apply similar between your walls and roof ?

Also, the gecko's hang around the house, speshly near windows, they wait there till the light comes on, our kitchen light is on and off during the night, every night, which in turn attracts bugs, moths, and the geckos are there in waiting for their nightly feed !
Strategy for the Obs, maybe place some solar lights away from Obs and they should continually hang around them ! Also, the Obs does not have bright white Lights, so no attraction for bugs, hence geckos hanging around other light sources

Some ideas to ponder on, any which, why, how.

[cometcatcher (Kevin)]

Thanks for the ideas Bob. Something to think about.

[Mittay (Tim)]

Could try these:

http://www.wikihow.com/Get-Rid-of-Common-House-Geckos

If they're the nasty imported geckos then I'm in favour of killing the buggers.

Could also try silicone spray on surfaces to make them slippery etc..

Make it as inhospitable as possible!

[cometcatcher (Kevin)]

Thanks Tim. Yes they are the Asian Geckos. Never had them when we first moved here 36 years ago. Now they are in plague proportion. I might try some of those tricks and see if they work.

[Sol-Skysailor (Sol)]

Lol.

Move to NZ?

Have gone through the thought process previously. Not built yet. Ideas:

1. Make an island dome, only need shallow water surround, circulate with a small pump
   (no mosquito larvae or ants then, not sure about frogs but see 5.)
   Do not keep fish as you’d attract fish eaters
   and as fish need some greens these become bridges for creepy crawlies.
   Easy to step across or use a board across when moving gear.
2. Use covers or nets with tight Velcro straps over ‘scopes. All storage containers with lids.
3. Vacuum often, everywhere, when ‘scope sealed. You’d vacuum out any gecko eggs.
4. Rodents. Cat? Actually some buildings not often occupied
   apparently have success with some ultrasound device.
5. Not concerned much about snakes but for you maybe some chicken wire
   slanting outwards at inner side of water’s edge. Maybe incorporate barbed wire around.
   Or keep geese or a mongoose (2 mongeese?)
6. Would some kind of a low power electric fence be a deterrent?
7. Inspect often, esp the afternoon just before. (Don’t know cost of IR detector or
   if it’d work with cold-blooded snakes but if you’re concerned.)

I don’t favour killing. Or chemicals that kill us too. So would say minimise.

I think we can reduce probability, not necessarily to close to zero.

Good luck. Please let us know your solutions and how you’re faring. Will add to my idea box then.
Sol

[ZeroID (Brent)]

Some keen DIY astronomers have made Obs from round plastic water tanks. Modified the roof and cut a door into the side. Just thinking that something like that would minimise entry points considerably around the floor or corners etc.
With fine grilled vents and a good door it would also be easy to keep clean of debris which might attract the wee critters.

[Galah (Patrick)]

Hello,

For one example of a "tank observatory", see if you can - Sky & Telescope Nov 2004 p124.

Patrick.