What Do Frogs Eat? And Do Toads and Frogs Eat Mosquitoes?

We all know that frogs and toads eat insects, but what kind exactly, and it is helpful for the garden? Do these bumpy, so-ugly-they’re-cute amphibians eat other mosquitoes and bad garden bugs? So we set out to answer what do toads eat in the garden… and what do frogs eat? And is a frog’s diet the same as a toad’s diet?

We love seeing frogs, toads and turtles in and around our yard and garden. In fact, we even have a frog, toad and turtle relocation plan.

Whenever we see these amphibians and turtles in or around our property, especially when they’re in the road, we move them to our garden and plant areas. We know they’ll be safe there and they’ll find lots of food while serving our garden by eating garden pests.

Toads and frogs are carnivores, that eat insects, worms and other types of live prey.

Baby toads eat the tiniest version of insects, such as gnats flies and ants.

A Toad’s Diet – What Toads Eat

Toads consume a diverse diet of live creatures. Whatever small critter moves past the patiently waiting, well camouflaged amphibian, is usually fair game.

When it comes to some of the bigger prey on this list, naturally these would be the small and tiny versions of these creatures… whatever the toad can fit into it’s mouth.^[1]https://www.reptilesmagazine.com/Frogs-Amphibians/American-Toad-Feeding-And-Care/

So this list of toad foods is relative to the size of the toad. Small toads and frogs will eat the smaller insects and bugs, and larger ones can eat those plus the larger fare.

A toad will eat whatever it can fit into its mouth!

TOAD DIET

So as you can see, toads are not very particular about what they put in their mouths. AND… you can see why they’re beneficial to have in your yard and garden!

That does mean that they may eat some of your beneficial bugs, but overall, we think they do more good than harm.

Do Frogs and Toads Eat Mosquitos?

When it comes to mosquito control, while toads and frogs don’t typically eat mosquitos, since they will eat most anything that moves past or around them, they will eat the occasional mosquito. However, tadpoles eat mosquito larvae, which helps a lot in reducing the mosquito population around you.

There are three species of North American tadpoles that feed on mosquito larvae.

Tadpoles that Eat Mosquito Larvae

• Spade foot toad
• Green tree frog
• Giant tree frog

So if you live in or around any body of water and have mosquito problems, you might consider these natural mosquito population control aids.

Toad vs Frog

If you get confused over which are frogs and which are toads, don’t worry, you’re not alone. It turns out that there’s not much difference between the two, and even biologists have conflicting opinions as to the differences between frogs and toads. Both are amphibians, eat similar foods and can even have similar skin.

The Main Differences Between Toads and Frogs – Shape and Environment

TOADS

1. Amphibians
2. Eat anything that moves that can fit in its mouth.
3. Born from eggs laid in lines in or around water
4. Typically have dry bumpy skin
5. Can also have smooth mucilaginous skin like frogs can
6. Prefer dryer environments and live amongst tall grasses and plants
7. Tend to have wider bodies and shorter leg

FROGS

1. Amphibians
2. Eat anything that moves that can fit in its mouth.
3. Born from eggs laid in clusters in or around water
4. Often have mucilaginous smooth skin, but…
5. Can also have dryer bumpier skin like toads
6. Prefer humid environments and live in and around water
7. Tend to have more narrow bodies and longer legs with more webbed feet

When it comes to what frogs and toads eat, they wait for their meals to come to them. They’re opportunists who will eat most of whatever passes their way as they sit still as a stone, and wait.

Toads and frogs literally eat with their eyes! They close their eyes to swallow, which is thought to aid the tongue in pushing food into the throat.
Source: Jeb.Biologist.org

Funny Toad Feeding Video

Now… if you want a good laugh break, we all got a huge chuckle out of this video of feeding time for two toads, which—as the caption says—is surprisingly funny!

You may enjoy giving each its own character and voice. Not saying if that’s what happened here at our house… but… well, it’s irresistibly funny! 😉

Toad Houses for Garden Friendlies

To invite more toads and frogs to take up residence in your garden, you just need to make special places for them to seek shelter and safety. You can easily make your own toad shelters with old pots, rocks and other materials lying around.

If you like artistic garden decor, there are lots of options, from cute and artsy to simple in these ready-made toad houses on Amazon.

Some Examples of Toad Houses

Toad House Crafted Out of Concrete

Fancy Toad Hall – Uses Natural Elements

This lovely toad house dubbed ‘Toad Hall’ even includes plants arranged to look like a landscaped lawn around this creative home for toads and frogs.

For more assistance in getting rid of mosquitoes, check out birds that eat mosquitoes.

And remember to check out these many creative toad house possibilities. They can give you ideas of something you might make if you’d prefer to craft your own.

Our favorite is this gnome and mushroom toad house, (of course, since a gnome is our logo and mascot.

Either way, cute or common, fancy or rustic, the toads and frogs won’t mind, so just go with what pleases your creative sense for your garden.

We’d love to see photo/s of your frog or toad house, and glad to add them here with tribute to you.

A Baby Toad in the Garden

Coleman found this little toad hopping around in the garden. Precious little thing… so perfectly formed in miniature.

A Baby Frog in the Garden

Our son, Nikolai was out loading mulch and found this baby frog hiding in it. We’re so glad he had a keen eye to spot such a tiny creature and rescue it from possible wounding from the shovel. This little guy was gently placed amidst our garden plants. #frogrelocationplan 👨🏽‍🌾🐸👩🏼‍🌾

Let’s Keep on Growing!