An unexpected splash, a night chorus, and rippling water are all indications that a frog has moved into your garden pond. When you become a frog landlord, you’ll discover that you gain from the relationship as far as the frog will, and you won’t find another tenant that is so easy to please. All they ask is to get clean water and some plants.
Frogs Want Ponds
It’s no secret that wetlands are disappearing at an alarming speed. Since the wetlands disappear, frogs have to discover other habitats, and a lot of what is available isn’t necessarily safe. Several wetlands are no longer protected from the Clean Water Act. As a result, some formerly safe habitats might become contaminated with industrial waste, pesticide runoff and other pollutants. Seasonal drought also has a devastating effect on the frog population. Providing frogs with a safe haven in your garden helps ensure their survival.
Ponds Want Frogs
Frogs perform a valuable service by eating insects in the vicinity of the pond. Some species may consume their weight in insects daily. This includes insects that have the potential to spread diseases to people and their pets, like ticks and mosquitoes. One of the larger issues that water gardeners face is algae, which may ruin the overall look of a pond and deplete the oxygen supply. Tadpoles feed on the algae, helping keep it in check.
Pond Attributes for Frogs
Based on the species, frogs need ponds that are between 6 and 24 inches deep. Many species found in western habitats are satisfied with ponds that are around 20 inches deep. 1 end of this pond needs to have a sloping wall to permit for an easy exit. Water lilies provide frogs with convenient perches and generate a shady retreat for tadpoles. Plants enhance the environment for tadpoles by aerating the water while eliminating dangerous carbon dioxide. Other plants to get aeration comprise bladderwort (Utricularia vulgaris), water pennywort (Hydrocotyle spp.) and water shield (Brasenia schreberi).
Waiting for Frogs
If you provide a body of water to get frogs to reside in, they will gradually move in. The time it takes for frogs to find your pond is based on the distance of the pond in the nearest frog habitat. The very first bombs that western gardeners will probably see are Pacific tree frogs, also known as Pacific chorus frogs due to their musical talents, and red-legged frogs. These species are plentiful in the region and particularly adept at finding new homes. Never import frogs from other locations.