If you're not a frog lover, this blog may creep you out. I had been trying to catch this fellow for about 3 weeks. When I would lift the toilet lid in one of my customer's home, this guy would be tucked under the rim. As quickly as I could make a move to grab him, he would make his escape by jumping off his resting spot and disappearing down the drain. It seemed as if he was experienced with this routine.This went on for about three weeks and he was starting to become a formidable challenge.
But unfortunately for Mr. Frog, all good things must come to an end.
But unfortunately for Mr. Frog, all good things must come to an end.
On my third visit, I flipped the toilet lid while holding a toilet brush in one hand (ready to clog his escape route) and my net in the other prepared to make the capture. To my surprise and disappointment, the toilet bowl was empty. But as I looked more closely at the rim, I saw a part of his foot barely visible over the edge. Pay-dirt! At last I caught him being careless and sitting outside the bowl (pictured above). After chasing him around the bathroom like we were on Mr. Toad's Wild Ride, his days of squatting in homes of gated communities came to an end. But this story has a happy ending. I did let him go next to the pond out back where I am sure he found more to eat.
He is about the seventh frog I've captured at various homes over the years. This would explain why I carry a net and glove in my trunk. With the help of The Tampa Bay Times, here is the best theory I could find for how frogs end up in toilets.
They say tree frogs like to climb trees and jump or drop onto roofs of houses. Being cold-blooded, in the morning they enjoy the warmth of the tiles or shingles. Once warmed up, they start looking for a cooler area to rest and the toilet vent pipe that protrudes from the roof is often the most convenient spot. Some fall down into the pipe and end up in your toilet. So when you lift the toilet lid, there's your surprise.
If you are not a frog fan, here are a couple of things you can do to diminish the chances of finding one in your toilet:
• Trim the tree branches that are nearest to your roof which allows access to the frogs.
• Put a mesh wire screen over your toilet vent. This will keep them out for good. Just make sure the mesh is wide enough that the vent can "breathe".
If you have had a "frog in the toilet experience" yourself, share it in the comment section below.
He is about the seventh frog I've captured at various homes over the years. This would explain why I carry a net and glove in my trunk. With the help of The Tampa Bay Times, here is the best theory I could find for how frogs end up in toilets.
They say tree frogs like to climb trees and jump or drop onto roofs of houses. Being cold-blooded, in the morning they enjoy the warmth of the tiles or shingles. Once warmed up, they start looking for a cooler area to rest and the toilet vent pipe that protrudes from the roof is often the most convenient spot. Some fall down into the pipe and end up in your toilet. So when you lift the toilet lid, there's your surprise.
If you are not a frog fan, here are a couple of things you can do to diminish the chances of finding one in your toilet:
• Trim the tree branches that are nearest to your roof which allows access to the frogs.
• Put a mesh wire screen over your toilet vent. This will keep them out for good. Just make sure the mesh is wide enough that the vent can "breathe".
If you have had a "frog in the toilet experience" yourself, share it in the comment section below.
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