Toad houses

By providing a toad house, you can offer these helpful creatures a safe and comfortable refuge while enhancing the biodiversity of your outdoor space. Learn everything you need to know about choosing, placing, and maintaining the perfect toad house.

Why toads need a house in your garden

Toads thrive in gardens with plenty of shelter, moisture, and food. However, as natural habitats like ponds, woodlands, and shaded spaces disappear due to urbanization, toads face increasing challenges in finding safe places to rest and hide. A toad house is a simple way to provide a secure environment where toads can shelter during the day, hibernate in colder months, or escape predators.

Having toads in your garden comes with several benefits. These creatures are voracious eaters of common garden pests, helping to keep your plants healthy and pest-free. Additionally, supporting toads promotes ecological balance and adds a touch of charm to your outdoor space.

What makes a good toad house?

A toad house should mimic the natural shelters that toads seek in the wild. Here are the key features of an ideal toad house:

• Shelter and shade: A well-designed toad house provides cool, shaded areas where toads can rest safely during the day.
• Durable materials: Choose houses made from natural, weather-resistant materials like terracotta, ceramic, or wood to ensure long-lasting use.
• Easy access: The entrance should be wide enough for toads to crawl in comfortably, typically around 10 to 15 cm

For added appeal, many toad houses come with decorative designs that blend seamlessly into garden landscapes, combining functionality with aesthetics.

Where to place your toad house

The location of your toad house plays a crucial role in attracting these amphibians. Here are some tips for finding the perfect spot:

• Shady areas: Place the toad house in a shaded or semi-shaded area, such as near bushes, under trees, or by a rock garden, to provide a cool environment.
• Close to water: If possible, position the house near a water source like a pond or birdbath, as toads rely on moisture to stay healthy.
• Low to the ground: Ensure the toad house sits flat on the soil to allow easy access and make it feel natural to the toads.
• Quiet location: Avoid busy pathways or areas with heavy foot traffic to ensure the toads feel safe and undisturbed.

When to install a toad house

You can place a toad house in your garden at any time of year, but late spring or early summer is ideal. This is when toads are most active and likely to seek new shelter. However, installing a house in autumn can also provide a cozy space for hibernation during winter.

Benefits of having toads in your garden

Encouraging toads to take up residence in your garden offers numerous benefits, both for your outdoor space and the toads themselves:

• Natural pest control: Toads consume large quantities of insects, slugs, and other pests, reducing the need for chemical pesticides.
• Ecological balance: By providing a home for toads, you support biodiversity and contribute to the overall health of your garden ecosystem.
• Low-maintenance companions: Unlike other wildlife, toads require minimal effort to care for, making them an easy addition to any garden.

Common mistakes to avoid

To make your toad house as inviting as possible, avoid these common pitfalls:

• Placing the house in direct sunlight, which can make it too hot and unappealing.
• Positioning it on hard surfaces like concrete, as toads prefer contact with soil or natural ground.
• Neglecting to keep the surrounding area moist, which is essential for toads' comfort and survival.

How to maintain your toad house

A little upkeep goes a long way in ensuring your toad house remains inviting and functional. Clean the house periodically to remove dirt, debris, or pests. Check for damage and replace or repair the house if necessary. In particularly dry weather, you can lightly water the area around the house to maintain a moist and appealing environment for toads.

Create a toad-friendly garden today

Adding a toad house to your garden is a simple yet impactful way to support these helpful amphibians and create a more balanced ecosystem. Explore our range of toad houses and start building a welcoming environment for toads in your garden!