Frogs reduce the insects present in a given area and are relatively harmless, unless it is a poisonous species. Introducing some natural predators into the environment, such as cats or even snakes, is a great way to control their population; even getting rid of the habitats they like to congregate in, such as ponds and puddles, can be a way to remove them. But before you hunt them, check your local laws to make sure it's okay.
Steps
Part 1 of 4: Gear Up to Get Rid of Frogs
Step 1. Identify the frog species you are facing
This information is not only useful to be able to get rid of it, as the different species require different methods, but it also guarantees not to act illegally, because some species are protected. Some frogs are considered invasive and allowed to kill them, among them are:
- The bullfrog outside its home environment in eastern North America. It competes for territory and resources with native specimens, eats them and spreads chithridiomycosis, an infectious disease that has already led to the extinction of 100 species of frogs.
- The reed toad out of its native habitat in Central and South America. Although it is not a real frog, many people reading this article will find themselves handling this type of amphibian. The reed toad is spreading widely in Australia.
- The Cuban tree frog outside its native environment. Its presence is doing a lot of damage in Florida, where it has also caused power outages.
- The Coqui frog out of its natural environment in Puerto Rico.
Step 2. Check the legislation in your area
In many parts of the world it is illegal to kill non-invasive species, but people are instead encouraged to get rid of particularly pested ones. In some cases, some breeds have such a negative impact on the environment that it is illegal to release them once they have been captured.
- If you are unsure whether a frog is native or not, take a picture of it and show it to the proper authorities to identify it.
- Before taking a personal initiative, you may want to contact your veterinary ASL or the Forestry Police to evaluate the best solution to get rid of frogs in your area.
Step 3. Leave the original habitat frogs alone
If you know they belong to a native species, you can't catch them; those naturally occurring in a given ecosystem must not be killed, even if they are poisonous. Frogs are important animals for the environmental balance and their presence actually indicates that the ecosystem is healthy; they reduce insect populations and are useful in wetlands in other ways.
- If you don't appreciate their presence, there are still other ways to discourage them from entering your property. For example, you can keep the foliage carefully pruned to discourage them from living in that space.
- You can also discourage them from entering your home by sealing doors and windows and installing mosquito nets.
Part 2 of 4: Eliminate Food and Shelter
Step 1. Discard standing water
Frogs are attracted to moisture, thus removing water sources from the garden, are less interested in your property, and will likely seek out another place to lay their eggs and take refuge for the night. You can rent a pump to get rid of major water sources.
- Bird troughs, wetlands, water bowls, and man-made ponds are just a few examples of environments that can attract frogs.
- Remove stagnant pools of water to ward off mosquitoes, other insects that frogs eat and thus make the environment less inviting.
- If you want to keep the water source in the garden, such as a natural pond, you can add a filter or system to allow the water to flow. In this way, the water is in motion, consequently chasing away most of the mosquitoes and other insects. Frogs will still be attracted to water, but by reducing the availability of food, you incentivize many to leave.
Step 2. Cut the weeds
Tall grass, bushes, and other shrubs are the perfect place for frogs to like to hide. By cleaning these spaces, amphibians find themselves without shelter and exposed, a situation they generally want to avoid. Tall plants around bodies of water are particularly problematic; if you want to keep tall or shrub plants in your garden, try to place them as far away from water sources as possible.
Step 3. Eliminate any residue
Just like tall grass, clutter also offers a perfect hiding place for frogs; by getting rid of them, you can get rid of several specimens. Eliminate empty pots, old lumber, piles of wood shavings, or any other structures that can create a dark, damp crevice these amphibians love to hide in.
Step 4. Turn off the exterior lights
These attract insects, which in turn attract frogs; by turning them off, you reduce both animal populations.
- Turn off the lights in the garden and porch.
- Close the awnings and curtains in your home to reduce the amount of light coming in from inside.
Step 5. Keep your pets' food indoors
Although quite rare, frogs sometimes steal food from dogs or cats. Have your furry friends eat inside or leave food bowls under cover when not in use.
Step 6. Kill the bugs on your property
Since flies, mosquitoes and other insects are the main source of food for frogs, killing them can help prevent the presence of these animals. Here are some methods to get rid of it:
- Install an electrical insect repellent. Place it on the porch to attract and kill all kinds of flying insects.
- Spray an organic insecticide. Many chemicals can kill frogs too, but natural ones don't have the same effect.
Step 7. Install fences
Surround the property or porch with a plastic net or fence; do not use wire mesh, as frogs can easily sneak through these types of barriers.
- Make sure the fence touches the ground and stands straight up. Frogs can jump to a considerable height, so a standard fence is more effective than a shorter one.
- Take precautions to make sure the fence is stable. Bury the support posts to a depth of 30 cm, at least, and also keep a portion of the fencing material below ground level.
Part 3 of 4: Using Repellents
Step 1. Introduce natural predators
Snakes and cats love to eat certain types of frogs, so placing them on your property can therefore reduce the population of pesky amphibians and make your space less attractive. Before you act, however, you need to do some research, to make sure that the frogs you want to eliminate are a delicious treat for cats or snakes.
- Remember that many species of frogs are poisonous; do not introduce a predator that may be sensitive to their venom.
- Research the predators of the species that is infesting your property. It is easier to introduce cats or snakes, but you may also decide to make your environment hospitable to different predators, such as hawks or other birds.
Step 2. Try natural repellents
There are some natural substances that are effective in killing or driving frogs away from an area. Try some of these before opting for spray chemicals, as these tend to slowly kill frogs. Biological sprays work faster and less cruelly.
- Spray citric acid on the frogs. Mix 600 g of citric acid powder with 4 liters of water in a large spray bottle and sprinkle the solution directly on the frogs; this mixture should kill them immediately.
- Spread the salt. If you don't have plants near the pond, spread some salt around the perimeter of the pond. This substance burns the fingers of frogs and is therefore an excellent deterrent; However, keep in mind that salt kills plants.
- Spray the frogs with caffeine. This concentrated substance kills them causing a heart attack, but you can also sprinkle the coffee grounds on the ground in the area where they congregate to discourage them, without killing them; in this way they feel discomfort, but they should not die.
Step 3. Use chemicals only as a last resort
While you can get rid of these amphibians using chemicals, in reality these substances are a real torment or kill frogs slowly and you should avoid them, unless no other solution has proven effective. If possible, use repellents rather than resorting to deadly remedies.
- Try snake repellent. By spraying it all around the perimeter of the garden you can effectively get rid of frogs. In fact, this repellent is just as effective against frogs as it is at getting rid of snakes.
- Use a herbicide. Studies have found that some of these products chemically alter male specimens, depriving them of the ability to reproduce; consequently, by spraying these substances in the area where frogs are present, you can greatly reduce their future populations.
Part 4 of 4: Physically Remove the Frogs
Step 1. Capture them with a screen
Get one for butterflies or another model with a long handle and fine mesh to take them individually. If there are a lot of specimens, you need to ask for the help of other people to complete the task. Once you have captured all the frogs, you have two choices:
- Finding them a new habitat: You can consider relocating them to a nearby pond or stream. However, when choosing their new home, it is important that it is an environment in which individual races or species can live in balance with nature, otherwise there is a risk of disrupting the local ecosystem.
- Freeze them to kill them: if it is impossible to find a new habitat, you can kill them with a less cruel method by freezing them. Put them in a sealable container with holes in the lid to allow the passage of air and store this container in the refrigerator overnight; frogs quickly enter a coma-like state. The next day, put the container in the freezer and leave it for 48-72 hours; the frigid temperature should kill them.
Step 2. Collect and kill the tadpoles
Get a regular aquarium net and catch all the tadpoles from the pond or other water sources. Then expose them to the sun for about a day; dry heat should kill them.
- You can also decide to leave them on a concrete base or on the lawn, but the drier the surface, the quicker they die.
- Alternatively, you can also bury the captured tadpoles; this method also kills them.
Step 3. Set traps inside the house
If the frogs have found a way to sneak into the house, set up a common mousetrap to kill them. Place devices close to any openings that allow access from the outside, such as the garage door, basement windows, and vents.
Step 4. Hire a professional
If you don't know how to get rid of frogs or your every effort has been in vain, contact a specialized company.
Advice
- You don't have to introduce a real snake into your property, but a rubber reproduction.
- To attract a frog that has hidden in a corner of the room or under a piece of furniture, play its cry through a loudspeaker: you will see that it will jump out!
Warnings
- Wash your hands after handling frogs. Many species secrete a poisonous substance from the skin; it is rarely a lethal substance to humans, but it can cause abdominal problems, skin irritation and other unwanted symptoms if you don't get rid of them.
- Learn about local laws regarding the removal and killing of frogs. In some geographical areas it is illegal to kill them, while in others it is forbidden to relocate them to nature. Contact the relevant local authorities to find out if some trapping methods are not feasible.
