How to Rid My House of Frogs

Frogs can be both beneficial and a nuisance.

According to fairy tales, kissing a magical frog will turn the amphibian into your prince charming. Even though frogs do not turn into men, they do offer many positive qualities for you and your home, such as helping to keep the mosquito population in check. Unfortunately, when frogs begin to take over your home and lawn, they can quickly turn into pests. Their loud croaking can be bothersome and their rat-like droppings can create an unpleasant sight on your porch and patio.

Things You'll Need

• Nets or glass jars
• Snakes, turtles or owls
• Frog or snake repellent

Instructions

1. Capture the frogs and relocate them. Nets or glass jars trap the frogs and allow you to move them farther away from your home. Choose a location, such as near a pond, that is favorable for the frogs.

2. Clear your home and lawn of favorable habitats for the frogs. Frogs live in damp, dark locations. Remove piles of wood, brush piles, pots, large plants and shrubs.

3. Eliminate bugs. Frogs invade your home and lawn if there is a food source, such as insects. Furthermore, keep outside lights off to prevent bugs that are attracted to light from gathering around your home.

4. Increase the amount of the frog's natural predators in your yard. Snakes, turtles and owls are only a few of the wildlife that eat frogs. In addition, adding large fish to ponds eliminate frogs living in the water.

5. Deposit frog repellent around the perimeter of your yard. Substitute snake repellent that contains paradichlorobenzene or naphthalene. Read and follow all directions and warnings printed on the repellent label.

References

• Ask the Exterminator; How to Get Rid of Frogs; Rick Steinau
• University of Florida Wildlife Extension: Frequently Asked Questions About Frogs and Toads
• Gardening Know How; Toad Control: How to Get Rid of Garden Toads; Nikki Phipps