How to Get Rid Of Frogs in Your Yard – Quick, Easy & Humane Ways

Although frogs may be beneficial in the backyard, sometimes they may become a nuisance when they get into the ponds. Some frogs prey on harmful pests, making them useful to gardeners. They are a delicacy to some, and pets to others. However, not everyone wants their loud cloaks. Someone else will get terrified at their mere sight. Some frogs stay in the water while others get to the ground and live in trees, vegetation, rocks, or soil. Others are harmful and may pose risks to humans and pets. Here is a guide on how to get rid of frogs in your backyard pond with much ease.

Steps To Getting Rid of Frogs In Your Backyard Pond

1. Know the Kind of Frogs You Are Dealing With

Before you even think of getting rid of frogs, know their species. You might get into trouble with the authorities if you kill some frog species, especially if they are invasive. However, it is not illegal to kill invasive frog species.

Just identify the types of frogs in your yard, and research on whether it is legal to get rid of them or not.

2. Get Rid of Tall Grass and Weeds near Your Pond

Frogs love hiding in tall vegetation. The vegetation also attracts various insects like spiders that are food for the frogs. Getting rid of the vegetation means that they will get exposed and run away, and will eventually go looking for insects to prey on in other areas.

Other debris like rocks in the garden may also act as hiding places for frogs. By clearing them, you destroy the frogs’ habitat, making them uncomfortable in your yard.

3. Install a Water Feature

Frogs love water. That is where they lay their legs and may spend some of their time. They also hunt for mosquitoes in stagnant water. Draining stagnant water in your yard means that they will not have a comfortable habitat for laying eggs or living. Install a fountain in it, to make the water circulate. Circulating water causes a disturbance, making frogs uncomfortable and will move to other areas.

You can still get rid of frogs physically. Trap them using a trap net, and place them in a container with a lid. Try trapping them at night, and use a source of light to attract them. They are more likely to get out of their hiding places at night than during the day. If they have found their way into your house, trap them by placing mouse traps at strategic points where they hide. You can then dispose of them to a convenient place.

4. Install a Barrier around Your Pond

Fence your pond with plastic mesh, since it has small holes which frogs cannot get through. The barrier will keep them away from your pond. Let the barrier be long enough since some frogs can jump over short barriers.

5. Do Away With Night Lights

Night lights attract frogs into your backyard. Light attracts insects, which are food for frogs. When the lights are on, frogs will be attracted since they know they will get something to eat. Put off yard lights and ensure the light from your house is not very visible outside.

6. Feed Your Pets Indoors

Pet food may attract insects like flies in your yard. In turn, the insects will attract frogs. By feeding your pets indoors, you ensure that there are no food substances attracting bugs in your yard. Frogs will lack something to eat and will get out of your backyard.

7. Get Rid Of Other Insects from Your Backyard

Frogs feed on other insects. Getting rid of the insects will chase them away from the yard, and they will move to other areas in search of food. Use certified insecticides to get rid of mosquitoes, flies, and other insects inhabiting in your yard.

8. Get Rid Of Tadpoles

If the water in your pond is still, frogs might lay their eggs inside it. The eggs will then hatch into tiny tadpoles. Use an aquarium net to trap them, and then place them on the ground, when the sun is hot. The warm temperatures will kill the tadpoles. This frog removal method may not be convenient for everyone, since they may not find it easy to kill live amphibians. If it doesn’t work for you, use other more conventional methods.

Make Use of Repellents

There are several repellents you can use to chase or kill frogs. Some of them include:

1. Coffee Grounds

What do you do with used coffee grounds? Most probably, you throw them away. Coffee grounds can be used for various purposes. If you have problems with frogs in your backyard pond, you can use the grounds to keep them away. Spread them around the pond. When frogs step on them, they get irritated and will avoid getting back there again. Be careful not to spread it on your plants, as they may die.

2. Salt

Spread salt along your pond. When frogs step on it, they will get irritated and will not want to come back there. However, be careful not to sprinkle the salt on your plants as it may kill them. You can also add salt to the water and apply the mixture directly to the frogs when you spot them, especially when they are on the ground. They will get dehydrated and die after some time.

3. Vinegar

Mix vinegar and water in equal measures. Place the mixture in a spray bottle and spray it in areas where the amphibians love hiding. Vinegar causes discomfort on their legs, which discourages them from getting into your yard. Don’t let vinegar come into contact with your plants as its acidity might kill them.

4. Citric Acid

Citric acid is another frog repellent. Put citric acid in a sprayer and spray it around your yard, especially in areas where frogs are more likely to go hiding.

If frogs are all over your backyard pond, they might cause disturbances. To get rid of them, use a combination of the methods discussed above. Getting rid of them completely may take a lot of time, but with consistency, you will surely succeed.

Frequently Asked Questions