Organic gardeners have a repertoire of solutions to pest control in the garden from releasing beneficial insects to washing plants with insecticidal soaps. But just underfoot and often unnoticed by the daytime gardener is the modest toad. The daytime toad looks lethargic and passive, not unlike humans who have gorged on a favorite feast. After a night of frenzied foraging toads burrow themselves in moist soil to rest and digest. Their bumpy brown skin safely blends in with soil, mulch, and rock.
Pest Patrol Toad
Toads are nocturnal animals that spend the night consuming insects. Anything that is a moving target, fits in the mouth and can be swallowed is fair game in the garden. Ants, crickets, beetles, slugs, snails, larvae, caterpillars, earthworms, millipedes, moths, spiders, cutworms, and mosquitoes vanish with a fast flick of a long powerful sticky tongue. Scientists estimate that one toad consumes from 100-200 insects and other invertebrates per night. Magnified over a growing season the toad patrol makes a significant dent in the population of pests.
Toad as Amphibian
Toads are amphibians, cold-blooded animals with backbones. They have lived two lives: firstly as tadpole herbivores in an aquatic habitat and secondly as toad carnivores in a terrestrial habitat. Their aquatic roots influence their need for moist surroundings and cool shade on land.
Since toads are a boon to the garden, gardeners can take measures to attract and sublet the garden to this amphibian addict of insects. Below are a mélange of proactive measures gardeners can take to welcome toads in a partnership for pest control.
Toad A-Frame
Recycle damaged terra cotta or ceramic crockery into cool camps for toads. Chisel out a doorway along the rim of pots large enough to accommodate local species of toads. Nestle the pot upside down into the soil of a shady bed of plants which lure insects. Or, create an original cottage for toads.
Toad Tavern
Being amphibians toads need a moist environment. They drink water through skin patches when sitting in water rather than drinking water through their mouth. Terra cotta or ceramic saucers, aluminum pie tins, large plastic lids, and birdbaths minus the pedestals should be set in shady settings and filled with fresh water. Even a pet’s drinking bowl can become a toad’s watering hole.
Toad Tunnel
A hollow log, ceramic pipe, recycled coffee or Crisco can, or drainpipe could become a meditation zone for toads. Turn the cylinder on its side and partially bury it in a cool moist location. The tunnel is also a shelter from predators like herons, raccoons, skunks, and domestic cats and dogs.
Toad Tent
A cool canopy of groundcover greenery makes an ideal hideaway for toads by day and an insect cafeteria by night. Common periwinkle, hosta, holly fern, Lenten rose, pachysandra, Virginia creeper and English ivy are a few canopy plant choices. Don’t forget to include a clump of toad lilytoo! They prefer a moist location just like toads.
Rock Room
Toads like to hide in cool camouflaged places like a rock room during the day. Arrange flat rocks in cave-like formations in a damp area near an outdoor water spigot, downspout, air conditioner drain, or depression that collects rainwater.
Brush Pile
Brush piles harbor wildlife of all kinds. They are deliberately stacked branches, twigs, and plant parts mounded on top of the soil or a wooden palette and located along the edge of property. Toads find shelter within the pile. As debris deteriorates, invertebrates provide sustenance for the toads.
Partnership for Pest Control
In return for the partnership in pest control on your property, toads require a garden free of insecticides and lawn chemicals. Toads breathe through their skin and are exceedingly sensitive to chemicals in the environment. Your pest control partner will provide years of service to the garden only if the habitat is pesticide-free.
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