One of the best ways to control slugs, moths, and many other pests naturally is to have toads in your garden. Toads are nocturnal amphibians similar to frogs that live in almost every part of Zone 9 and are quite plentiful. There are a few techniques that can help assure that you have toads in your garden:
Attracting Toads:
- Provide Shelter in the Shade
- Create Wet Spots
- Leave a Light On
Provide Shelter in the Shade
Toads are nocturnal animals and as such are only active at night. During the day they hide in a shelter that keeps them safe from predators and also keeps them cool and damp. When trying to attract toads to a garden providing shelter is the most important step.
There are some Toad Houses
A toad shelter should be in the shade and in an area that stays fairly moist. An old terracotta pot with a hole cut out, flat stones stacked to make a cave and old wood stacked to make a cave would work. Get creative and just make sure it is a safe place for the toad!
Create Wet Spots
Toads, just like any other animal, require a source of water. If you have a nearby pond, this issue is solved, but most gardeners do not have this luxury. A great way to keep toads hydrated is to place a saucer (one from the bottom of a plastic planter) next to the toad’s shelter. Fill it ¾ full with smooth river rocks and then fill it with water. The stones will prevent the water from being splashed out by the toad, or any other animal getting a drink. Beware, the water can become a mosquito breeding pond, but with frequent water changes the larva will never have a chance to grow.
Leave a Light on
Many moths and other insects are attracted to light. Leaving a lo- powered light on near the garden will attract many types of food for toads to the garden. A solar powered light works well for this and is low maintenance. Place the light far enough away from the toad’s shelter that it will have to cross the garden (eating bugs on its way).
TIPS:
- Teach children to leave toads alone – they emit a liquid that can be an irritant to skin
- If dogs share the yard, make sure the shelter is dog-proof
