Do Moth Balls Keep Frogs Away? The Truth About This Method

Paul West/ Pet And Wildlife Care

Dealing with frogs invading your backyard can be frustrating. The incessant croaking disrupts your sleep. They eat gardens and flower beds you’ve worked hard on. And you certainly don’t want to risk touching frogs that may carry diseases or pesticides on their skin.

You may have heard using moth balls can be used to deter. However, do moth balls keep frogs away or is it an urban myth?. Is this a safe, effective solution?

Or are there better ways to take control of the backyard frog problem?

Table of Contents

Key Takeaways

Moth balls are ineffective long-term for keeping frogs away and pose health dangers
Eliminate standing water, debris, and plants frogs are attracted to in your yard
Install physical barriers like fencing and netting to block frogs
Use natural, humane repellents like garlic spray and motion sprinklers
Relocate humanely as a last resort if frogs persist after proofing your property

Understanding Why Moth Balls Don’t Work on Frogs

Moth balls contain chemicals like napthalene or paradichlorobenzene. These give off a strong odor that is unpleasant to smell. Some believe this odor may deter frogs and other pests. But there is no scientific proof that moth balls effectively repel frogs in the long run.

The ingredients in moth balls can actually pose risks:

Napthalene is classified by the EPA as a possible human carcinogen. Exposure can cause headaches, nausea, and damage to red blood cells.
Paradichlorobenzene has been linked to cancer and reproductive effects in animal studies. It is highly toxic to aquatic life.

Using moth balls outdoors allows these chemicals to leach into the surrounding soil and water sources. This contaminates groundwater and poses dangers to people, pets, and local wildlife.

Moth balls also provide only a temporary, short-term fix for controlling frogs. Removing what attracts them to your yard in the first place is key for permanent solutions.

Start With Preventative Landscaping Strategies

Frogs need access to water, food sources, and shelter to thrive. Making your yard less hospitable starts with addressing these core needs:

Remove or relocate any standing water sources. Small ponds, water features, buckets, and other wet areas provide ideal breeding grounds for frogs. Eliminate these to discourage infestations.

Choose plants carefully. Salads, ferns, and shrubs provide shade and insect food sources appealing to frogs. Opt for herbs, tomatoes, peppers, or other vegetables less appetizing to frogs.

Clear away debris. Remove stacks of wood, overgrown vegetation, and leaf litter where frogs hide. Discourage them from settling in.

Install Barriers to Physically Block Frogs

Once you’ve addressed landscaping factors, install barricades to create frog-free zones:

Use plastic or wire fencing around vegetable gardens or flower beds. Bury it several inches into the ground to prevent frogs burrowing underneath.
Netting over ponds or water features can let beneficial insects in while keeping frogs out.
Try commercial yard grid systems designed as underground barriers.

Make sure fences and netting don’t have any gaps larger than 1/4 inch so tiny frogs can’t squeeze through.

Apply Targeted, Low-Impact Repellents

For particularly stubborn frog infestations, repellents may provide additional protection:

Garlic and pepper spray formulas create a strong scent boundary. Reapply after heavy rain.
Ammonia-based products mimic the scent of predators. Use diluted solutions and avoid plants.
Sonic devices emit high-frequency sounds unpleasant to frogs. Place near known frog hideouts.
Motion-activated sprinklers scare off frogs without wasting water. Position them along fences or garden edges.

Always check that repellents are wildlife and pet safe before using. Follow label directions carefully.

Relocate Persistent Frogs Humanely

Catching and relocating frogs is preferable to killing them. Here’s how to remove them humanely:

Wear gloves and gently scoop up frogs using nets or buckets. Avoid touching them.
Keep them in a ventilated container with a damp cloth for no more than one day.
Release at least 5 miles from your property in a suitable habitat near a water source.
Never release non-native frogs into the wild. Contact local wildlife agencies for guidance.

Relocation should be a last resort option after excluding entry points and proofing your yard. Limit stress to frogs by following safe handling procedures.

Be Patient and Persistent for Long-Term Results

The key to successfully keeping frogs at bay is persistence. No single method will provide a quick fix. But combining landscaping modifications, physical barriers, targeted repellents, and relocation can provide effective control over time.

The most important step is permanently removing easy access to food, water, and shelter in your yard. Making your property less inviting to frogs in the first place will discourage recurring infestations season after season.

With some diligence, you can enjoy your yard and garden again without resorting to risky chemical moth balls or other foul-smelling frog deterrents. A frog-free outdoor space is within your reach using safe, humane strategies tailored to your property.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long will it take for moth balls to make frogs leave my yard?

Moth balls do not effectively repel frogs long-term. The smell may deter them temporarily but they will likely return. Permanent solutions are needed.

Where is the best place to put these to keep frogs away?

We do not recommend using moth balls outdoors for pest control due to health and environmental risks. Other methods are safer and more effective.

Can moth balls permanently get rid of a frog infestation?

No, moth balls will not get rid of or control an ongoing frog infestation. The source of the problem must be addressed by modifying the yard habitat.

Are these safe for gardens and pond areas frequented by frogs?

No, moth balls used outdoors can contaminate soil, leach into water sources, and pose risks to people, pets, and wildlife. They should be avoided.

How often do I need to replace moth balls to deter frogs?

Moth balls are not an effective solution for repelling frogs. Your efforts are better spent modifying your landscaping and yard to permanently discourage frogs.

Do these work better than other homemade frog repellents?

No, moth balls are unproven against frogs. Natural repellents like garlic spray, predator scents, or hot pepper are safer alternatives.