How can I keep green tree frogs from hanging around my back door?

ASK THE HORT AGENT

Question How can I keep green tree frogs from hanging around my back door?

Answer While tree frogs may be the only amphibians “hanging” around the back door, there may be other amphibians or reptiles sitting nearby. North Carolina is home to 30 different species of frogs. These frogs can be divided into 3 families – toads (Bufonidae), frogs (Ranidae) and tree frogs (Hylidae).

Toads are most commonly seen in the evenings crossing the patio, sitting by the door or swimming in the dog’s water bowl. They usually hop away from people until the end of the summer when they get fat and lazy. Every now and then a toad will jump across the threshold while trying to flee from an approaching human.

True frogs have slick skin and longer legs. True frogs, like bullfrogs and leopard frogs, are typically found around water features like ponds, pools or fountains. They also hide and/or flee when people approach.

Tree frogs have developed climbing toes. Each toe has an extra length of cartilage and an enlarged adhesive pad at it’s tip. This enables them to climb vertically in pursuit of insects. All frogs and toads eat bugs. Green tree frogs are the most common species found around people’s back doors. http://www.herpsofnc.org/herps_of_NC/anurans/Hyl_cin.html

Frogs congregate around doors and windows because bugs are congregating at these locations. If you want to discourage the frogs, you first have to address the insect situation. The control of light at night is the key.

Here are some steps you can take to debug the perimeter of your house. First put the outside light on a motion detector. If the light stays on beside the door all night, then you will always attract insects. Second, close the curtains. This will block the majority of the light coming from inside the house. Granted, the neighbors will have to find some other form of entertainment, but this is a necessary step to stop the peepers. Third, the placement of a lamppost, floodlight, walkway light or some other form of night lighting may serve as visual aids for humans and decoys for insects. The further these lights are placed from doors, the better they pull the bugs and frogs away from the house.

Lastly, vine covered arbors, trellises and sculpted plants are natural harbors for insects and tree frogs. The placement of these structures over doorways or windows is an invitation for nature to come experience your home.

Tree frogs are not poisonous. If they get in the house, simply catch and carry them back outside. Most tree frogs prefer to walk because of their sticky toes. Be warned, they can still jump pretty far.

For more info about tree frogs, check out http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/accounts/information/Hylidae.html If you do not have internet access, then call me at 910-893-7533 or email me at gpierce@harnett.org

My father had a perfectly preserved green tree frog for many years. The poor frog hopped up on the door frame near the door hinge. When the door closed, it flattened him like a sheet of paper. His sticky toes held him to the door frame for several years. He was a big hit with my friends who didn’t have their own “door frog.”

Gary L. Pierce

Horticulture Extension Agent

Harnett County