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Original poster

Plague of frogs, what to do?

59 replies

MayorMumbum · 10/10/2019 20:34

We moved to this house in April. The garden was and is still pretty overgrown and we are swarmed with frogs. We can't even mow the grass without a massacre (DH is terrified of them also) Is there any way to keep them out or deter them? We don't have a pond and none of the neighbours do either so I can't figure out why they are here. DH just opened the back door to two of them sat there looking at him (or so he says Grin)

OP posts:
IDontLikeZombies · 10/10/2019 21:39

I think you should take people up on the offer of rehoming them - I've had a look at Pestwiki and it seems you have a choice of poisoning them, freezing them in the freezer or shooting them (grim).

Toomuchgoingon · 10/10/2019 21:45

I think you're lucky. Would love to have them

IstillmissWoolworths · 10/10/2019 21:48

Another option is to have a google and see if there is a toad patrol group near you. If there is then someone might come out and move them to a more suitable home.

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Original poster
MayorMumbum · 10/10/2019 21:49

I wouldn't hurt them but I just want them to find another garden to enjoy for DHs sake. It's also making it impossible to mow/strim because I would be horrified if I accidentally chopped one. Bleurgh.

OP posts:
Original poster
MayorMumbum · 10/10/2019 21:50

They would come back though. It isn't the same group (I don't think) as there has been tons of them since April.

OP posts:
AutumnCrow · 10/10/2019 21:54

They've bred. Successfully.

Fishcakey · 10/10/2019 21:55

I think they are toads. I get toads and have no water although there is a boggy brook down the road. In my old house I had loads of frogs and they are quite different. They also scream when your cats catch them. Not great at 3am.

drspouse · 10/10/2019 21:59

At least it isn't locusts. I would call Moses though just in case.

Iwantacookie · 10/10/2019 22:01

I have 1 frog/toad that lives up the top of my garden.
Again no ponds nearby and no idea why he comes to my garden.
I wish hed bugger off though.

Basil90 · 10/10/2019 22:02

Post some pics! I'm intrigued by how many there are

MonaChopsis · 10/10/2019 22:04

Please be kind to your frogs and toads if you are lucky enough to have them... The UK population has plummeted in the last 10-20 years and they are close to being endangered species.

Original poster
MayorMumbum · 10/10/2019 22:07

I'm in bed (reading about toads Hmm) but will take pictures tomorrow. I'm actually quite interested to see how many there are. Seems like there is loads.
Don't worry I wouldn't hurt them, and DH won't go near them. Just with they would find another garden to call home. Ours is tiny and can't really accommodate the local toad population.

OP posts:
Bluntness100 · 10/10/2019 22:12

Just mow very slowly, they will move away. You will see or sense the grass moving. They don't sit and wait to get chopped up if you go slow enough.

We have a stream and when I strim the bank they just move away.

You need to get the grass down or the problem will get worse.

Alternatively hire someone to clear it and try not to think about it...

PixieDustt · 10/10/2019 23:20

@Perunatop does he not live up to your image of a man? You fool.

OP, frogs are gross it's the fact they can jump and their slimey little fuckers things.

Could you hire someone to cut your grass and maybe they can try get rid of the frogs?

Singlenotsingle · 10/10/2019 23:32

Whereabouts are you located? Lots of people love frogs and toads. Maybe advertise them on Facebook and ask for someone to re-home them?

cookielove · 11/10/2019 07:29

Could you speak to the rspca? Could they re home them in a pond elsewhere?

Skyejuly · 11/10/2019 07:33

We have loads too Shock

Soubriquet · 11/10/2019 07:45

Wow this is weird

I had my first toad this week which I released elsewhere (wouldn’t be safe for it or my dogs)

Not seen one before and yet there he was

MrsTaytodarling · 11/10/2019 07:52

Oh the thoughts of it Envy

onyourway · 11/10/2019 07:57

Try The Wildlife Trust in your area?

msmith501 · 11/10/2019 07:58

Once the grass is cut (make lots of noise as you go to persuade them to move), they will stay around the edge under shrubs, bushes etc. We actively encourage frogs and toads and several live in the greenhouse keeping the slugs and flies down.

Mitebiteatnite · 11/10/2019 07:58

A PP above is right, the UKs native amphibian population is in something of a crisis right now, and like them or not, toads and frogs are part of a very delicately balanced ecosystem here in the UK. Be kind to them, and contact your local toad patrol if you have one. They'll be more than happy to take them off your hands.

BeerandBiscuits · 11/10/2019 08:33

Toads will leave in spring to go back to their pond for mating.
Can you leave the garden as it is for the winter?

BeerandBiscuits · 11/10/2019 08:43

I had my first toad this week which I released elsewhere (wouldn’t be safe for it or my dogs)

I've got 2 large dogs. We've had a toad in the garden for years and dogs ignore it.

ILikeyourHairyHands · 11/10/2019 08:50

I love amphibians, be kind to them OP, they are in crisis because even though toads live out of water they need ponds for breeding and so many back-garden ponds are being filled in.

As another poster suggested, plant hostas, they will be magnificent with no slugs to eat them!