There’s a Frog in My Toilet! How Did It Get There and What To Do Next?
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Ed Malaker
- Last updated:
Finding a frog in your toilet can be a huge surprise, and once you get over the initial shock of finding it, you will likely wonder how it got there. It probably came in through the drain, but it could’ve taken several paths to get there. So, keep reading as we look at the different ways that frogs can get into your house, discuss what you should do after you find one, and give you a few tips for keeping them out of your toilet.
How Did a Frog Get Into My Toilet?
It Entered a Vent Pipe
One of the easiest ways into your home for a frog is through the vent pipe. It connects to your drain and provides ventilation for your sewage system so it can work properly. You will usually find it along the side of your home, though it can also vent up on the roof near the chimney. If the pipe is near the ground, it won’t be hard for small frogs to jump inside, and if it is on the roof, frogs might be able to gain access via a nearby tree branch. Once inside, the amphibians can make their way into your toilet tank.
It Went Up a Damaged Drainpipe
If your drainpipe is damaged and has a small hole, a frog might be able to gain access and make its way to your toilet tank. Damage can occur as the pipe ages and the ground settles. Roots from nearby trees and shrubs can also puncture holes into your drainpipe, creating an access point for frogs.
It Jumped In
Frogs are amphibious creatures that prefer a moist environment. They often go exploring at night or in the early morning, when the ground is wet with dew. As the day warms up and the ground becomes dry, they will start looking for damp areas, and your bathroom can attract them if they find their way into your house. It will likely jump into the toilet if it has access.
What Do I Do If I Find a Frog in My Toilet?
Catch It
Most frogs are not dangerous, so you can catch them and release them back outside if you are not afraid. We recommend wearing garden or nitrile gloves to protect your skin while you catch the frog in a large plastic cup or container. If the frog is hiding under the lip of the toilet, making it difficult to grab, use a large fishnet over the drain to catch the frog as you flush the toilet.
Call Pest Control
If you don’t want to catch the frog yourself, you can call your local pest control center for assistance. It will charge a small fee to remove the frog, but it might also be able to help you learn more about how the frog got there and tell you if you might have the problem again.
How Can I Keep Frogs Out of My Toilet?
- Keep the lid of your toilet closed.
- Cover the end of your vent pipe with hardware cloth, a screen-like material that will prevent frogs from jumping in without interfering with ventilation.
- Turn off your yard lights; they attract insects, which will attract frogs, making it more likely that they will find their way into your home.
- Prune trees and shrubs so they don’t provide an access route to your roof or into your home.
- Hire a plumber to inspect your drainpipes to see if any damage needs repair.
- Spray vinegar around your property to help drive away frogs.
Conclusion
Most frogs enter the toilet through the vent pipe, which grants them access to the drainpipe that leads to your toilet tank. Damage to the drainpipe could also lead to frogs in your toilet, as they only need a small hole to enter. A frog can also enter your home through a window, door, or hole in the wall and then be naturally attracted to the toilet. To remove it, carefully catch it in a small glass, container, or fishnet while wearing protective gloves, and place it outside or call your local pest control.
Featured Image Credit: AlivePhoto, Shutterstock
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