Why Is There a Frog in My Toilet?
You hurried to the restroom, barely making it before it was too late. You lower yourself onto the chilly toilet seat and attend to your needs.
Suddenly, you see something moving out of the corner of your eye. You look over, and a frog is sitting in your toilet.
Now, you’re wondering; how did a frog get into my toilet?
Why Is There a Frog in My Toilet?
Frogs are attracted to toilets because they have clean, fresh water. To a frog, a toilet is a perfect place to take a dip and cool off.
Unfortunately for the frog, toilets aren’t natural habitats, and the chemicals used to clean them are harmful. Besides, frogs hop through crevices or sewer lines and end up in toilets.
In this article, we’ll explore how frogs end up in toilets and what ways to prevent them from taking residence.
Is it Possible to Flush a Frog Down the Toilet?
Perhaps you’re wondering if you can just flush the frog down the toilet and be done with it. Unfortunately, that’s not a good idea.
When you flush a toilet, the water pressure increases, hurting the frog. In addition, chemicals in the water can kill the frog or make it sick.
Below are reasons why you shouldn’t flush a frog down the toilet:
Interfere with your Plumbing System
Finding a frog lying or hoping inside your toilet is a shock. However, before you flush it down, consider how this will affect your plumbing system.
The increased water pressure can cause clogs or break your pipes. Therefore, don’t flush the frog down the toilet unless you want to deal with a costly repair bill.
Upset the Ecosystem
When frogs are flushed down toilets, they end up in sewage treatment plants. These facilities aren’t designed to remove frogs and other small animals from the water.
As a result, the frog will die a slow and painful death. In addition, flushing a frog introduces new species into an ecosystem, disrupting the natural balance.
For example, non-native species may prey on native species or compete for food and resources.
Wastage of Water
Flushing the toilet uses a lot of water. The average person flushes the toilet about five times a day. That’s approximately 35 gallons or 132 liters of water per day.
When you flush a frog down the toilet, you’re wasting all that water for no reason.
Frogs are excellent swimmers, so they will wither the turbulence caused by flushing and climb back into the bowl.
Moreover, consider the water wasted every time you flush down a frog. It’s much better to release the frog into the wild where it belongs.
The Potential to Climb Back
The frog’s toes are equipped with suction cups that enable them to climb smooth surfaces.
Thus, even if you flush the frog down the toilet, there’s a chance it will climb back up and gain entrance into your bathroom.
Flushing is Cruelty
Although frogs are uninvited guests in your bathroom, that doesn’t mean you should be cruel to them.
Flushing a frog down the toilet is inhumane and will cause the creature undue pain and suffering.
Remember, the poor creature is just looking for a place to cool off and ended up in your toilet by mistake.
What Can I Do to Keep Frogs Out of My Toilet?
If a frog is in your toilet, you should release it into the wild. For instance, wear a pair of gloves to avoid coming into contact with the frog.
Lift the lid of your toilet and gently scoop the frog into a bucket. Then, take the frog outside and release it into a pond or other body of water.
Remember, keeping frogs out of your toilet is relatively simple if you take the necessary precautions. Below are some tips to keep frogs away from your bathroom:
Seal Off Any Openings
Frogs can squeeze through tiny openings, so check your bathroom for any cracks or holes. If you find any, seal them off with caulk or another type of sealant.
In addition, check the pipes under your bathroom sink and ensure they’re properly sealed.
If your sewer line is broken, it will allow frogs and other small animals to enter your bathroom through the drain.
Therefore, it’s essential to have any broken sewer lines fixed as soon as possible. Move around the house to inspect the toilets, sinks, and drains for leaks.
Once you find broken sewer lines, contact a professional to have them repaired.
Install a Mesh Screen
You can also keep frogs out of your toilet by installing a mesh screen over the opening. This prevents frogs from getting into your bathroom in the first place.
Look for a mesh screen made of stainless steel or durable material.
Keep Your Toilet Clean
The damp and humid environment of a toilet is an ideal breeding ground for insects. When insects are present, frogs will be attracted to your bathroom in search of food.
To prevent this, regularly clean your toilet and remove any potential food sources.
Remove Trees and Shrubs
Trees and shrubs growing near your bathroom allow frogs to enter your home. If possible, remove any trees or shrubs close to your toilet.
Alternatively, trim them back, so they’re not touching your walls or roof. Frogs jump onto your roof, then find a vent or other opening to enter your toilet.
Where Would a Frog Hide in a Toilet?
Frogs usually hide in toilets during the day to avoid predators. At night, they come out to forage for food.
If you find a frog in your toilet, it’s likely hiding in the bowl under the water.
Besides, mats or carpets are ideal hiding places for frogs since they’re usually damp and humid.
Therefore, occasionally change the location of your mats and carpets to ensure frogs don’t have a place to hide in your toilet.
Cracked tiles, chipped paint, and other small openings in your bathroom also provide a hiding place for frogs.
As such, you may want to fill in any cracks or holes you find to prevent frogs from taking up residence in your toilet.
How Can I Lure a Frog Out of Hiding?
Once you confirm a frog in your bathroom, the next step is to lure it out of hiding.
The easiest way to do this is by turning off all the lights in your toilet and waiting for nightfall. Then, shine a flashlight into the toilet bowl and look for the frog.
Besides, using food as bait is another way to lure a frog out of hiding. For instance, place a worm or insect near the toilet bowl.
The frog will come out to eat the worm or insect then you can scoop it up and release it outside.
Final Thoughts
Finding a frog in your toilet is a daunting experience. However, there are steps you can take to remove the frog and prevent it from happening again.
For instance, scoop the frog into a bucket and release it into your garden.
However, to prevent frogs from getting into your bathroom in the first place, it’s vital to seal any openings and install a mesh screen over the toilet.
If you have any questions or need assistance, contact a professional.
