Gardening
Plant Problems
Garden Pests
By
Mary Marlowe Leverette
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/IMG_40612-5ba0f4fd46e0fb005005bbe3.JPG "How to Keep Frogs Out of Your Yard and Garden With 6 Effective Methods (1)")
Mary Marlowe Leverette
Mary Marlowe Leverette is one of the industry's most highly-regarded housekeeping and fabric care experts, sharing her knowledge on efficient housekeeping, laundry, and textile conservation. She is also a Master Gardener with over 40+ years of experience and 20+ years of writing experience. Mary is also a member of The Spruce Gardening and Plant Care Review Board.
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Published on 06/13/24
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/GettyImages-1407598310-f2858dc1ed904e4f9ddd2e413334d68c.jpg "How to Keep Frogs Out of Your Yard and Garden With 6 Effective Methods (2)")
In This Article
Why You See Frogs
Are Frogs Bad?
DIY Repellent Methods
Diverting Frogs
FAQ
If you don't like the sounds of croaking frogs or have problems with a large infestation, there are ways to keep frogs out of your yard. But you might want to reconsider getting rid of frogs.
"Frogs pose minimal threat to pets and people, and their benefits as an insect predator far outweigh any perceived negatives," says Dr. Jeffrey R. Mohr, Adjunct Professor at Clemson University and Professor of Biology at Southern Wesleyan University. "Deer flies, mosquitos, spiders, and occasionally bees and wasps all find themselves prey to frogs.Frogs and toads also eat a variety of plant pests such as aphids and caterpillars."
We talked to Dr. Mohr and other experts to find out how to keep frogs out of your garden if you're interested in repelling them, and how to do so safely.
Meet the Expert
- Jeffrey R. Mohr Ph.D. is an Adjunct Professor at Clemson University and Professor of Biology at Southern Wesleyan University.
- Sean Foley is the Curator of Herpetology at the Riverbanks Zoo and Garden in Columbia, South Carolina.
Why You Might Be Spotting Frogs in Your Yard
Finding frogs in your yard is a sign that you have a healthy environment around your home. Frogs are attracted to areas with water, shelter, and plenty of insects like crickets, worms, caterpillars, snails, and spiders for food. Ponds and pools attract frogs because they need lots of moisture during the breeding season.
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Are Frogs Bad to Have Around Your Yard?
Frogs are not bad to have around the yard because they consume lots of pesky insects. However, there are some reasons that you might not want a frog invasion.
- Frogs can create quite loud noises with their croaking, especially bullfrogs that have a deep, loud call. Most of the croaking occurs at night as frogs try to attract mates and can disturb light sleepers.
- Frogs attract their predators: snakes. Garter snakes and other garden snakes eat frogs and may take up residence if there are a large number of frogs in the yard.
- There are invasive species of frogs that can decimate natural populations. The USDA is concerned about the cane toad, which are poisonous to most animals that try to bite or consume them, and the Cuban tree frog, which eats native tree frogs.
- Frogs can carry salmonella bacteria and if children handle a frog, they can become ill.
6 DIY Ways to Get Rid of Frogs in Your Yard
Although a strong proponent of keeping frogs in the yard, Sean Foley, curator of herpetology at Riverbanks Zoo and Garden, shared these ways to get rid of frogs in your yard:
- Eliminate water sources. Remove water features from your yard and eliminate standing water by emptying bird baths, plant saucers, pet bowls, and improving drainage.
- Remove yard debris. Frogs like habitats where they can hide. Remove piles of debris, stacks of wood, and mulch to eliminate spots frogs enjoy.
- Control insects. Frogs need food sources. If there are limited insects to feed on, the frogs will not thrive.
- Trim or remove dense vegetation. A sparse landscape is not appealing to frogs. Regularly prune shrubs, trees, and vines.
- Turn off outdoor lights. While frogs are not attracted to outdoor lights at night, they are attracted to the flying insects that gather around the lights.
- Eliminate frog eggs. When you discover that a frog has laid eggs in ponds or standing water, remove and dispose of them. Use a dip net to avoid breaking up the egg masses. Use chlorine and shock treatments regularly to prevent egg laying in swimming pools and hot tubs.
Tip
Don't try to catch and relocate frogs. Frogs can find their way back to their original location and all of your time capturing and moving them will be wasted.
3 Ways to Attract Frogs to the Right Places
If you want to bring frogs into your yard, provide them with a healthy environment and amenities that frogs love.
- Add a water feature. A small pond or slow-moving water feature is ideal for attracting frogs to the garden.
- Provide cover. Frogs like to hide under leaves, logs, and natural yard debris. Create a space where they feel welcome.
- Welcome insects. Leave on lights and include plant species that attract insects that frogs need for food.
FAQ
Does frog repellent exist?
There are no effective ways to repel frogs. Some anecdotal methods are to sprinkle the yard with coffee grounds, citric acid powder, or spray the area with vinegar. None of these home remedies will repel frogs. You must change the environment in your yard to one they don't find comfortable to repel frogs.
How can I keep frogs out of my pool?
Frogs are attracted to any still water. Adding a fast-moving fountain or water feature and leaving the pump running at night will help. Turn off pool lights at night to prevent insects that attract frogs and keep the garden around the pool free of debris. It's also important to use chlorine and shock treatments regularly to prevent frogs from laying eggs in the pool.
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Reptiles and Amphibians. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
