House geckos are ever-present in the Philippines. Known locally as "butiki," geckos are permanent residents in many houses and places of business. These small lizards are as ubiquitous here on the islands as sagebrush is on the open hillsides and in the wide basins of Western Montana.
Geckos
are commonly seen high on the walls and ceilings and are not given a second
thought by the locals. They are generally viewed positively by Filipinos due to
their role in controlling insect populations. In fact, many households
appreciate their presence, considering them natural pest control agents. The
geckos' distinctive chirping calls, often heard in the evening, are a familiar
and somewhat comforting background noise.
I
pretty much got used to seeing geckos on the walls around me within an hour of
my arrival in the Philippines. I will happily cohabit with them. I am in favor
of anything that keeps the population of creepy-crawly things in check.
—Mitchell Hegman
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