As if trying to clean out and maintain your septic tank didn’t already make you want to croak, dealing with frogs making their home inside the tank can be an unwelcome surprise.
However, don’t stress. There are several methods that can help you get rid of these uninvited guests from your septic system quickly and effectively.
Why Frogs Enter Septic Tanks
Frogs are attracted to septic tanks for a few reasons. First, the moist and dark environment inside the tank is an ideal habitat for them. They can find plenty of food sources (like insects) in the tank, which helps them thrive.
Another reason is the access points. Frogs can enter septic tanks through open pipes or vents. Sometimes, frogs enter a tank due to an unintentional pathway, like a damaged pipe or broken seal, allowing them to get inside more easily.
And interestingly enough, frogs are naturally curious creatures and may simply be exploring your septic system. As a result, you’ll want to make your septic tank less inviting for these amphibians.
Safe Removal of Frogs
Dealing with frogs in your septic tank can be quite a challenge. The goal is their safe removal without causing harm to both you and the frogs. While frogs are in general more beneficial than harmful, you don’t want them in your septic system.
Using Protective Gear
Before attempting to remove frogs, make sure to wear appropriate protective gear. This includes gloves, long-sleeved shirts, and pants to protect your skin from any possible irritants or injury. Wearing closed-toe shoes can also help keep your feet safe.
Capture
One effective method for capturing frogs is to use live traps. Trapping can be done by placing a trap baited with frog food such as insects, worms, or small fish. Remember to check the trap regularly to release the captured frogs far away from your home.
Deterrent
By mixing equal parts vinegar and water, you can create a deterrent spray that causes a burning sensation on the frogs’ feet, discouraging them from returning to the area. This works well for keeping frogs away from your garden as well. Be cautious when using this method and avoid spraying vinegar on any nearby plants.
Cleaning and Maintenance of Septic Tank
Maintaining your septic tank is important in general but it will also help you avoid unwanted gatherings of frogs and other wildlife. By regularly inspecting and scheduling pumping, you can keep your septic tank clean and problem-free.
Regular Inspection
Inspect your septic tank at least once a year to ensure its proper functioning. Check the filter for any signs of damage, such as cracks or solids clogging it up. Cleaning the filter involves holding it over the inlet side of the septic tank and spraying it with a hose, or dipping it in a bucket of water, and making sure all solids fall back into the tank or bucket.
Additionally, walk around your yard and look for any signs of leakage, such as squishy ground, standing water, or strange odors. If you notice these issues, call a plumber right away to prevent any lasting damage.
Scheduled Pumping
To keep your septic system in good shape, pump it out every three to five years. According to Family Handyman, the cost for pumping a residential septic tank ranges from $300 to $600, depending on the size.
Keep in mind that your septic service provider will also inspect your system for leaks and examine the sludge layers during the service. Be sure to save all maintenance records for your septic system as these are essential for future reference.
Preventing Frog Intrusions
As always, prevention is the best medicine (after laughter), and there are a few ways to keep frogs from getting into the septic tank. Failing to do so can lead to a rather comical problem we’ll discuss later.
Secure the Septic Tank Cover
To prevent frogs from entering your septic tank, you’ll need to make sure that you secure the tank cover properly. You can use a heavy-duty cover with a tight seal that keeps frogs from squeezing through any gaps.
In addition, make sure your toilet system, including the pipes and septic tank, are covered with a screen or gauze mesh to stop frogs from entering the system at all. Make sure the holes of the screen are small enough to prevent baby frogs from getting through.
Maintain the Surrounding Area
Another vital factor in keeping frogs away from your septic tank is maintaining the area directly around it. Regularly trim vegetation and remove any debris that may provide hiding spots for frogs. Keep your yard clean and avoid having standing water, as it can serve as a breeding ground for frogs (and mosquitoes).
Using a frog repellent, such as citronella oil, around the perimeter of your septic tank can also help discourage frogs from approaching the area. As mentioned earlier, a vinegar solution can help keep frogs at bay, as it causes a burning sensation on their feet and discourages them from infesting your property.
Related: How to Prevent Frogs From Getting In Your Pool
Septic Silliness: Frogs In Toilets
Do you remember how we said there was a comical consequence of not properly keeping frogs out of your septic system? Well as crazy as it sounds, frogs can make their way through the pipes into your toilet and give you or a loved one a greeting that removes any need for laxatives.
How Did They Get There?
As mentioned, frogs can enter through your septic tank and make their way up the sewage lines to your toilet or other drains. In addition, they can climb on the roof and enter the vent pipes, which lead to your toilet.
Removal
If you find a frog in your toilet, you can carefully remove it using gloves or a net. Remember, if they came in from the septic tank, they’re likely covered in contaminants.
Further Frog Prevention
To avoid future frog encounters, it’s important to not only block access to the septic tank, but also make frogs less interested in your property.
- Drain your septic tank and remove any frogs found inside.
- Consider introducing natural predators, like garter snakes or predatory fish, to discourage frog infestations.
- Apply frog repellents, like citronella oil, around the perimeter of your septic tank to discourage them from invading your property.
- Add wire mesh to all vent covers, as this is another way frogs can get into your home.
- Remove all sources of standing water, including adding pumps or other water-moving additions to water features such as fish ponds.
By taking these preventative measures and addressing any current infestations, you can create a frog-free environment for your septic system as well as helping to keep frogs out of your yard and home in general.
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