How to Make a Toad House

Toads are great creatures to attract to your yard or garden. Toads eat more than 100 bugs a day and can help save your garden plants from nasty pests like Japanese beetles and cutworms. Making a toad house is an easy activity you can do with your kids. Just follow these simple steps.

Instructions

1. Find an old clay pot or use an empty coffee can or other container that you no longer need that has an open top.

2. Locate a spot in your garden or yard that has some shade and, if possible, is moist. Also remember that it should be an area that attracts bugs.

3. Take a trowel and dig a hole large enough to accommodate your container lying on its side.

4. Place the container in the hole and bury it in the dirt about halfway, leaving an opening above ground level.

5. Lay some dead leaves on top of the dirt in the container for bedding.

6. Put a saucer with water nearby to attract toads.

Tips & Warnings

• You can paint or decorate your toad house before you plant it. If you use a clay pot, wash and dry it before painting it. No matter what kind of container you use, use acrylic or other paints or materials that can withstand outdoor extremes.

• Contrary to rumor and folklore, touching a toad will not give you warts.

• Always handle a toad with care and return him to the habitat that you've created for him so he can thrive in his new house.