How to Get Rid of Frogs: 6 Ways to Remove Garden Frogs

While some species of frogs can act as natural pest control by eating unwanted insects, frogs can still become a nuisance in your garden and backyard. Here are a handful of reasons for keeping your frog population in check:

1. 1. Frogs attract snakes. Snakes prey on frogs, so if you have multiple frogs hopping around your yard, you might also start to see snakes lurking among your plants as some snakes, such as garter snakes and ringneck snakes, eat frogs.
2. 2. Frogs can carry diseases. Frogs can carry various pathogens and bacteria that are dangerous to you and your pets. Salmonella is a common bacteria that frogs carry and can spread to you through both indirect and direct contact.
3. 3. Frogs make noise. One of the main reasons to remove frogs from a garden or yard is to prevent their loud croaking noises. Frogs croak at night to attract mates; however, when an entire frog population is in your garden, the common nighttime croaking can become a loud cacophony that keeps you up at night.
4. 4. Some frogs are invasive species. Depending on your location, certain frog species might qualify as invasive species. These species can change and degrade ecosystems by competing with other natural species for food resources. To preserve the habitat and natural populations of your area, it can be important to identify and remove invasive species. Some examples include the bullfrog, cane toad, and Cuban tree frog, all of which are invasive frog species in the United States.
5. 5. Some frogs are poisonous. Frogs with bright colors and unique skin patterns are usually poisonous to humans and pets. The pickerel frog, poison dart frog, golden poison frog, and true frog are all poisonous frogs, capable of secreting venoms that are lethal to humans. Poisonous frogs don’t typically venture outside of their natural habitats; however, it’s always important to identify the frog species in your yard to avoid any potential harm.

Frogs have a thin outer skin; therefore, they absorb toxins from pesticides and insecticides directly through this permeable layer. When dealing with a frog problem in your garden, try these humane ways of removing frogs from your yard:

1. 1. Add predators. Snakes, lizards, small mammals, and birds are common frog predators. Adding a few fake frog predators to your garden can scare frogs and discourage them from entering your yard.
2. 2. Construct a physical barrier. After removing the frogs in your yard with some DIY home remedies, consider constructing a fence around your landscaping to prevent another frog infestation. If you live near a swampy area or other body of water, building a fence can help prevent frogs from leaving their natural habitat and entering your yard. A fine-mesh fence or wooden fence is best as a physical barrier to keep frogs out since these types of fencing prevent large frogs from jumping over and small frogs from crawling through small spaces.
3. 3. Remove hiding spots. Frogs prefer gathering in areas where they can shelter and hide. Thus, you’ll often find frogs hiding among tall grass, leaf debris, and rock piles. Cutting your grass and removing any unnecessary hiding places can also help keep frogs out of your yard.
4. 4. Remove wet areas. Frogs need a wet habitat in which to raise tadpoles, so temporarily turning off or draining water features in your yard—such as fountains and small ponds—will remove the frogs’ habitat, leaving them to find a new spot to congregate. If your grass is swampy or damp, consider using an aerator and adding fertilizer to help remove excess water in the ground.
5. 5. Turn off outdoor lights. While outdoor lights don’t directly attract frogs, they do attract their prey, including mosquitoes, flies, and crickets. Turning off your outdoor lighting at night will reduce the insect population in your yard, removing the frogs’ food source. This will encourage the frogs to leave your yard in search of a new food supply.
6. 6. Use vinegar. You can also make your own vinegar mixture and use it as a frog repellent. Combine equal parts water with equal parts vinegar and pour the mixture into a spray bottle. Spray the vinegar on the surrounding area of your garden to avoid spraying the mixture directly on your plants. The vinegar will slightly sting the frogs’ feet, keeping them away from your yard. Alternatively, you can sprinkle coffee grounds into the soil—the acidity in the coffee creates a mild burning sensation on the frogs’ feet, discouraging them from sticking around.

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