Toads & Frogs

Toads are members of amphibian species and are characterized by dry, leathery skin, brown coloration, and wart-liie parotoid (external skin gland on the back, neck, and shoulder) glands. Though common in popular culture, there is no distinction between frogs and toads in taxonomy (the practice and science of classification). Toads are members of the Bombinatoridae, Bufonidae, Discoglossidae, Microhylidae, Pelobatidae, Rhinophrynidae, and Scaphiopodidae families.

While toads have adapted to drier areas, frogs remain tied closer to water. Both toad and frogs lay their eggs in ponds and puddles. Contrary to popular myth, toads do not transmit warts to people through handling or skin contact. The bumps on a toad's skin help the animal blend into its environment visually by breaking up its outline. They are present on healthy specimens and are not a result of infection.

Toads are very beneficial for gardens of all types. They prey on insects, slugs and snails (eating up to 10,000 of them in just one summer). A resident toad keeps the pest population down without harsh pesticides or labor intensive natural controls.

How to attract toads

Toads are very easy to attract if you create the right kind of habitat for them.

Give them cover from predators – Many animals (snakes, birds and the occasional house pet) will kill and eat toads. Provide plenty of foliage and slightly elevated areas where toads can stay safe.

Moist cover-Toads are still amphibians, they live on both land and in the water and require moisture to survive. While they are not tied to the water as closely as frogs are, toads still need a moist place to live.

Toads will make their homes under boards, porches, loose rocks and roots of trees. Providing moist hiding spots for them encourages them to stay. You can even turn a desirable place for a toad to live into a garden decoration by using or making a garden toad house.

No pesticides & chemicals –The pesticides and chemicals commonly used in gardens are usually too toxic for toads as well. They are very sensitive chemicals and even small amounts can be damaging to their health. So, don’t create a nice place for them then spray them out.

Water-Toads don’t live in water, but they need water to reproduce. A small body of water (pond or ditch) that stays filled with water for at least a significant part of the year will not only help attract toads, but will help with ensuring future generations of toads.

Making your garden toad friendly is all you need to do when looking at how to attract toads. Toad houses – decorations with benefits!