Frogs in an outdoor fishpond can be an annoyance. Not only do they create noise with their constant croaking, but they can also wreak havoc on plants and even feed upon the fish themselves – if they’re small enough to fit in their mouths, that is! So how do you get rid of frogs in a fishpond…and keep them out permanently?
To get rid of frogs in a fishpond you must do 5 things: provide an unhospitable environment; eliminate shelters; remove food sources; build obstacles; and physically remove any existing frogs (this includes frog eggs and tadpoles as well). By doing all the above, you’ll greatly reduce the risk of frogs taking over your outdoor pond.
Now that you know the four things you must do to keep frogs out of your fishpond, let’s explore each in more detail below. Together we’ll also learn why frogs are attracted to fishponds, if it’s good (or bad) to have frogs in a fishpond, if fish can live with frogs, how to remove frogs from a fishpond safely, and why you shouldn’t kill frogs.
So, if you’re ready to learn more about frogs and fishponds, then let’s get to it!
Why are There Frogs in My Fishpond?
There are many things that attract frogs to backyard fishponds…insects, rotting food/fruit, pet food left outside, stagnant water, algae overgrowth, artificial lights, easy access with no obstacles, high grass for protection, and tiny fish. Frogs need food, shelter, and water to survive – backyard fishponds tend to provide easy access to all three!
Is it Good to Have Frogs in a Fishpond?
Having frogs in your fishpond can be a good thing if they help control the insect population. They won’t harm larger fish but may eat tiny fish if they can easily fit into their mouths. If you’re trying to breed fish in your backyard pond, frogs don’t usually pose a threat since they prefer to eat live foods such as bugs, snails, slugs, and worms.
How do I Keep Frogs Out of My Pond?
Use vinegar, salt, or coffee grounds as natural frog repellents. They work by irritating the frog’s skin, keeping them away from the area. Be careful, however, as these substances are acidic and can damage plants, alter pH levels, and impact fish health – all of which can negatively affect the ecological balance of the pond.
How do You Permanently Get Rid of Frogs?
Provide an Unhospitable Environment
By making the environment around the fishpond undesirable, you’ll help lessen the likelihood of frogs taking over the aquatic area. Try installing a waterfall feature near the pond. Frogs prefer to lay their eggs in still water so the steady movement should keep them out.
You can also try using substances like vinegar, salt, and coffee grounds – all of which are natural frog repellents. Simply spread loose coffee grounds around the perimeter of the pond but try not to let the granules get into the water as they’re acidic and can alter the pH levels.
Another option if to take a fine-nozzle spray bottle filled with water and a cup of table salt. Shake the bottle thoroughly and spray the liquid around the outside edges of the pond. Be careful not to spray the substance directly onto plants as it may kill them.
Eliminate Sheltered Areas
Frogs prefer to live in sheltered areas that hide them from potential predators. They also look for covered spots to lay their eggs which help protect their offspring from the elements. Be sure to cut down any tall weeds or grass around the fishpond and remove algae from the pond regularly. Algae provides protection for eggs and acts as a food source for tadpoles
Remove Food Sources
Frogs are attracted to potential food sources around a fishpond. Consider installing a running fountain to deter mosquitos since insect larvae grows easily in stagnant water. Also, keep the lights around the pond off at night since bugs are attracted to brightness.
As frogs have been known to nibble on pet food, be sure to bring dog and cat food dishes into the house, especially at night when frogs are more active. If you like to eat outside, try your best to clean up any leftover crumbs that may have fallen onto the ground.
As well, ensure you keep your yard as clean as possible. If you have fruit trees, remove any fallen fruit quickly and don’t let it rot on the ground. Flies and other bugs are attracted to rotting food and since insects are the preferred edibles for frogs, it’s like ringing the dinner for them.
Build Obstacles
You can also install a silt fence with tiny holes around the pond so the frogs can’t jump through. As well, ensure the fence is at least 2 feet high to prevent the frogs from jumping over it! This should be a last resort as it a time-consuming project and not esthetically pleasing either. However, deterring frogs from entering your property in the first place is a lot easier than trying to get rid of them afterwards.
Physically Remove the Frogs
If you’ve done all the above and you still have frogs in your fishpond, you must physically remove the frogs yourself. You can try the catch-and-release method by gently scooping them up with a net, placing them in a contained crate that’s both deep and ventilated, and then dropping them off near a swampy location. If possible, get a friend to help you as it’ll make the job both quicker and easier.
Can You Remove Frog Spawn from a Pond?
To get rid of tadpoles in a backyard pond safely and effectively, simply scoop them out with a fish net and relocating them to a marsh. You don’t want to many frog eggs in your fishpond as this will throw off the ecological balance of the area, reduce the amount of oxygen in the water, and potentially transfer diseases to the fish.
Can Fish Live with Frogs in a Pond?
Fish can live harmoniously with frogs in a pond, provided there aren’t too many frogs and/or the frogs don’t decide to feast on the fish. Some fish like koi and goldfish will help control the frog population for you by eating the eggs before they can hatch into tadpoles. However, in the long run, frogs and fish in the same pond isn’t a good idea and you should take measures to relocate the frogs as soon as possible.
Why You Shouldn’t Kill Frogs?
There are many reasons why you shouldn’t kill frogs. Firstly, they eat harmful bugs like mosquitoes. Secondly, they provide a source of food for birds and fish. Thirdly, they offer opportunities for advances in medicine. And last (but not least), they’re revered in some cultures as the bringers of good fortune. In short, frogs are vital to maintaining balance within all wildlife ecosystems.
Conclusion
To conclude, the best ways to get rid frogs in a fishpond is to provide an unhospitable environment; eliminate sheltered areas; remove potential food sources; build obstacles as deterrents; and physically remove the frogs. These methods will go a long way in reducing the presence of frogs in and/or near your fishpond.
I trust you’ve found this article to be both interesting and informative. Thanks for reading and good luck with your aquarium hobby!
Related Posts
How Do You Control Algae in a Pond? (Causes and Fixes)
How Small Can a Koi Pond Be? (Is Bigger Better?)
How to Put More Oxygen in a Pond?
What Happens if You Put Goldfish in a Pond?
