How to Get Rid of Frogs and Toads

Frogs and toads help reduce the number of insects in the area and are generally harmless, except when dealing with species that may be dangerous to pets. One effective way to cut down their numbers is to introduce natural predators like cats or even snakes into frog habitats. Cleaning up places where frogs typically gather, such as ponds and waterholes, can also help drive them away. Before you begin, be sure to check local regulations to ensure your actions are lawful.

Identify the frog and toad species you are dealing with. This not only helps you choose the right approach for eliminating the frogs (since different species may react differently to various methods) but also ensures that you're not breaking the law by harming protected species. Some frogs are considered invasive and can be legally eradicated. These include:

• The American Bullfrog, which lives outside its native habitat in eastern North America. It competes with native frogs, eats them, and spreads the disease chytridiomycosis, which has caused the extinction of 100 frog species.
• The Cane Toad, which lives outside its native range in Central and South America. You may be dealing with this amphibian instead of a frog. The Cane Toad is particularly rampant in Australia.
• The Cuban Treefrog, which lives outside its native range in Cuba. This frog has caused significant issues in Florida, including power outages in the region.
• The Coqui Frog, which lives outside its native range in Puerto Rico.

Check the local regulations. In many areas of the world, it is illegal to kill non-invasive species, although controlling invasive animal populations is encouraged. Some species are so invasive that releasing them back into the wild after capture is prohibited.

• If you're unsure whether the frog you're dealing with is native or not, you can take a photo and send it to local wildlife agencies for identification.
• Before attempting to handle the frogs on your own, consider reaching out to wildlife management agencies to discuss the best approach for dealing with frogs in your area.

Do not disturb native frog species. If you find that the frogs in your area are native, it's best to leave them be. Native frogs play a crucial role in their ecosystem, and even if they are poisonous, they should not be killed. Frogs are an essential part of the ecosystem they inhabit, and the presence of frogs is a sign of a healthy environment. They help reduce insect populations and fulfill various other roles in wetlands.

• If you don't like native frogs, you can prevent them from entering your garden by trimming back foliage, which removes their preferred habitat.
• You can also prevent frogs from entering your home by sealing gaps and installing mesh on windows and doors.

Introduce natural predators. Snakes and cats are known to prey on certain frog species, so releasing them into your garden can help reduce frog populations while making your garden less inviting to them. Before doing this, make sure the frogs in your garden are a preferred meal for cats or snakes.

• Remember that many frogs are poisonous. Don't release predators sensitive to frog toxins.
• Research the species that prey on frogs. While cats and snakes are the easiest to introduce to gardens, you can also encourage other predators, such as hawks or various bird species, to visit your garden.

Use natural substances to repel frogs. Some natural substances are effective at killing or repelling frogs. It's a good idea to try these before resorting to chemical sprays, as chemicals tend to kill frogs slowly. Organic sprays are faster-acting and more humane.

• Use citric acid to kill frogs. Mix 600g of dry citric acid with 4 liters of water in a large spray bottle. Spray the mixture directly onto the frogs, and they will die almost immediately.
• Sprinkle salt. If there are no plants near the pond, sprinkle some salt around the water's edge. The salt will burn the frogs' feet and drive them away. However, be cautious as salt can also harm plants.
• Use caffeine to repel frogs. Strong caffeine will cause frogs to have a heart attack and die, but you can scatter coffee grounds around frog gathering areas to repel them without killing them. The frogs will be uncomfortable but are less likely to die from the coffee grounds.

Use chemicals as a last resort. While you can use chemical pest control methods to remove frogs from your garden, these often cause harm or kill them slowly, so it's best to avoid using them unless there are no effective alternatives. If possible, you should focus on repelling frogs rather than killing them.

• Try using snake repellents. Spraying snake repellent around your home is also an effective way to deter frogs, as the product works similarly to snake repellents.
• Use herbicides. Studies show that certain herbicides can cause male frogs to become deformed and lose their ability to reproduce. Spraying herbicides where frogs frequently gather can significantly reduce their population over time.

Drain standing water sources. Moist environments often attract frogs, so removing water sources from your yard will discourage frogs from breeding and seeking shelter at night. You can rent a pump to drain water from standing sources.

• Birdbaths, ponds, water bowls, and artificial water features are common water sources that attract frogs.
• Eliminating standing water also helps to repel mosquitoes and other insects, which are a primary food source for frogs, making your yard less attractive to them.
• If you want to keep a water source in your yard, like a natural pond, consider installing a filter or fountain to circulate the water. This will reduce mosquito and insect populations. Frogs may still visit the pond, but many will leave due to the reduced food supply.

Trim overgrown vegetation. Tall grass, dense bushes, or thick foliage provide perfect hiding spots for frogs. By trimming these areas, frogs will be forced to move out, which is exactly what they are trying to avoid. Tall bushes growing near standing water are particularly troublesome. If you want to keep tall and dense plants in your yard, make sure they are placed as far away from water sources as possible.

Clean up yard clutter. Just like tall grass, piles of debris in the yard are great hiding spots for frogs. You can repel frogs by cleaning up these cluttered areas. Dispose of empty flower pots, old logs, wood chips, or any materials that might create dark, damp hiding spots for frogs.

Turn off outdoor lights. Lights attract insects, which in turn attract frogs, so by keeping your outdoor lights off at night, you can reduce both the number of insects and frogs around your yard.

• Switch off garden lights and entrance lights.
• Close curtains and blinds inside your home to minimize the light visible from the outside.

Keep pet food indoors. Although it’s not common, frogs occasionally sneak into gardens to nibble on dog or cat food. It's best to feed your pets indoors or bring their food bowls inside when they’re not eating.

Control insects in your yard. Flies, mosquitoes, and other insects are a main food source for frogs, so reducing the insect population can make your yard less appealing to frogs. Here are some ways to control insects:

• Use insect-killing lights. Place bug-zapping lights around your gate to attract and kill flying insects.
• Spray organic insecticides. Many chemical insecticides also kill frogs, but organic ones don’t have this effect.

Install a fence. Set up a plastic or mesh fence around your yard or pond. Avoid using wire mesh or chain-link fences as frogs can easily slip through these types of barriers.

• Make sure the fence is tall and secure. Frogs can jump quite high, so a standard-height fence will be more effective than a low one.
• Ensure the fence is well-secured. Bury the posts at least 30 cm underground and partially bury the fence as well.

Catch frogs with a net. Use a butterfly net or any other type of net with a handle to catch each frog. If there are too many frogs, you might need to enlist the help of others to get the job done. Once you've captured the frogs, you have two options:

• Relocate the frogs. After catching them, you can release them into a nearby pond or stream. However, it's important to release the frogs in an area where that species naturally lives to avoid disrupting the local ecological balance.
• Humanely euthanize by freezing. If you cannot move the frogs, you can humanely euthanize them by freezing them. Place the frogs in a lidded container with holes and put them in the fridge overnight. The frogs will enter a state resembling hibernation. The next day, transfer the container to the freezer and leave it there for 48-72 hours to allow the cold to kill them.

Collect and dispose of tadpoles. Use an aquarium net to scoop tadpoles from the pond or other water sources. Expose the tadpoles to direct sunlight for about a day so the heat kills them.

• You can dry the tadpoles on a concrete surface or a grassy area, but the drier the surface, the faster they will die.
• Another method for disposal is to bury the tadpoles in the ground.

Set traps inside your home. If the frogs have found their way into your house, you can set traditional mouse traps to catch and kill them. Place these traps around any entry points like garage doors, basement windows, and vent openings.

Hire a professional service. If you're unsure about how to effectively eliminate the frogs or haven't had success doing it on your own, you can reach out to a professional service for assistance.

• If you don't want to release a real snake into your garden, try using a rubber snake!
• To lure frogs out from behind furniture or into open areas, play a recording of frog croaking sounds. Hopefully, they will hop out in response.

• Wash your hands after handling frogs. Many species secrete toxins through their skin. Although these toxins rarely cause death, they can lead to stomach aches, skin irritation, and other unpleasant symptoms if not washed off properly.
• Learn about local regulations regarding the relocation and disposal of frogs. In some areas, killing frogs is illegal, while others may prohibit relocating them. Check with local wildlife authorities to find out what methods are permissible.

• Water pump
• Filter or water sprayer
• Net or fence
• Aquarium net
• Insect trap light
• Butterfly net
• Organic or chemical frog repellent