Toads are one of the most common amphibians in North America. If you take
a stroll around dusk, you probably will be surprised at how many you already have in your backyard. Toads are most active
around dusk. During the days, they like to hide out in a moist and shady environment.
To make a toad friendly
environment, have a pond or other water feature available on the ground. A simple way to do this would be to have a flower
pot dish, and fill it with water. My favorite way to use a broken terra cotta pot is to make it into a toad abode. All
it needs is to have a little hole for the toad to enter.
A garden pond is a favorite for frogs. Make sure the edges are shallow so they
can get in and out of it easily. It is recommended that it should be around 2-3 feet deep to attract frogs. A variety of aquatic
plants offer both food and shelter for the frogs. Make sure the pond is not in a very shady area, as it needs sunlight to
properly thrive.
Having frogs around will also lessen your bug population in your yard! It is very important
not to use pesticides in your yard if you are wanting to attract frogs. Besides being harmful to the frogs, it also poisons
their food source. Frogs and toads breath through their skin and are very susceptible to the effects of toxic chemicals.
Frogs are attracted to moist, humid areas, such as greenhouses. Don't be surprised to see your frogs taking up
residence there. Greenhouses normally attract insects the frogs like to eat as well.
In the winter, make sure
not to let your pond freeze over, and keep it properly oxygenated. In the winter, frogs tend to hibernate or lie dormant
at the bottom of the pond. They need the oxygen to survive.
Toads like caves, like my toad abode. I have
two...one I purchased, and one I made. I had a great terra cotta pot that was accidentally broken, so I turned it upside down,
and into an instant toad abode! Toads are also attracted to rock gardens. Make sure your toad houses are placed more in shade.
They also like the bear ground, so they can nestle in and get cool.
Toads also need a water source. They like
to soak in water, but not swim. They like shallow dishes, sprinklers or a shallow part of a pond.
Do not panic
if you create a "perfect" environment for the frogs or toads, and they do not come immediately. It may take two
or three years for the frogs to notice your environment. Having said that, it is not a good practice to take frogs out of
their natural habitat, and bring them to your house. It is much better to be patient and wait for them to find you.
Attracting Wildlife
