Gardeners should consider checking on their any outside taps or leaky areas of their garden as they tend to attract a lot of noisy pests at this time of year.
Garden taps can actually encourage pests into your garden at this time of year(Image: Getty)
September brings considerably cooler and wetter days, which will provide much-needed relief for plants that have struggled through the summer heat, but it can, unfortunately, draw more pests into your garden. Wet weather is well known for attracting slugs and snails, yet gardeners should also be aware that it can entice the creatures that feed on these insects, such as frogs.
Most people think you need a pond to spot frogs hopping around, but they can flourish in any damp area, including long grass, compost heaps, or even tucked inside flower pots. As temperatures drop, frogs are more inclined to venture closer to homes in search of food, and they can be rather noisy creatures, notorious for keeping people awake at night with their croaking.
If you’re hoping for some peace and quiet this autumn, Deirdre Sullivan from homeowner group Angie’s List has revealed that you don’t need any specialist products to keep frogs at bay, as simply checking for leaks in your garden is far more effective.
Deirdre said: “Ensure proper drainage and fix leaky faucets to discourage frogs from seeking refuge in soggy areas.
“Also, eliminate stagnant water from containers, gutters, and other spots in your yard. Consider creating dry spots throughout your yard using stones and gravel-this will make your lawn less inviting.”
Why fix leaky faucets in September?
Frogs require moisture to survive, but they don’t necessarily need a large body of water, as even a small drip anywhere in a garden can be sufficient for them to shelter nearby.
Gardeners would be wise to inspect dripping taps, drains, gutters, birdbaths and any areas where rainwater can begin to draw in insects that may lay eggs in standing water.
Frogs are attracted to gardens where drain flies, gnats, mosquitoes, water beetles and snails are present, as stagnant water can become a breeding ground for these creatures.
Taking the time to address any damp or leaky spots in your garden before autumn arrives will reduce the number of troublesome insects, which in turn will help deter larger pests without any added expense.
How else to keep frogs and other pests out of a garden?
Preventing noisy frogs from entering your garden can be relatively straightforward, as you simply need to create more dry areas within it.
September is an ideal time to trim hedges, mow the lawn and cut back shrubs to limit the amount of wet foliage in your garden, as these provide the sheltered hiding spots that frogs are known to favour.
Placing stones and gravel can also improve drainage in certain areas, though care should be taken when positioning them near flowerbeds, as they may prevent water from reaching plant roots.
Dimming your outdoor lighting or reducing its sensitivity can also prove beneficial, as bright lights encourage a larger insect population, which is more likely to tempt frogs onto your property.
While salt, vinegar or lemon juice are frequently suggested online as frog deterrents, these substances can severely damage their skin or even prove fatal, and are therefore considered deeply cruel.
Eliminating damp patches in your garden is a more considerate approach to deterring frogs, and will prove considerably more successful over time in keeping your garden free from unwanted visitors this autumn.
