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Frogs are absolutely everywhere right now leaping across rain-soaked roads or clinging to your glass doors like tiny, sticky daredevils hanging out for their next bitesize bug. Our homes are basically all-you-can-eat buffets, thanks to the moths and bugs attracted by our lights.
So, if you leave your door open, don’t be surprised if a curious froggy mate hops right in. The trouble is, these adventurous amphibians often wind up in less than ideal spots, like under the washing machine where dust and hair stick to their slippery skin like velcro. After a few days in your house they dehydrate, stranded far from their watery homes, appearing unexpectedly on your laundry floor looking furry and forlorn.
With a few simple steps, you can become your local frog’s superhero by applying some basic first aid.
Before you leap into action, here’s what you need to know:
Frogs have super-absorbent skin, so anything on your hands including hand cream and detergents can harm them. Pull on a pair of disposable gloves before you handle your amphibious guest.
Next, grab a clean container with a lid for your froggy patient’s temporary hospital stay. A shallow glass bowl is perfect, letting you keep an eye on them and sneak a peek at their tummy without causing any drama.
Here’s a weird but important tip: tap water is a no-go. Frogs absorb the chlorine in our drinking water through their skin which makes them sick. Instead, use either tank water, ultra-filtered, or bottled spring water for your frog spa.
Pour in just enough water to cover half the frog and let the dust and fluff loosen off. Take your time and carefully tease the gunk away, be gentle. Swap out the dirty water as you go, then pop the lid on and leave your frog to rehydrate for a few hours. When they’re looking fresh and plump—moist skin, bright shiny eyes, and bouncing with energy—they’re good to go.
Most, but not all, frogs are creatures of the night. This is when they’re less likely to get gobbled up by a kookaburra or be baked by the sun. So, under the cover of darkness, release your revived mate near their favourite pond—well away from your pets, of course.
Fun frog facts to impress your mates:
- Aussie frogs don’t drink — they absorb water through their skin
- From arid deserts to bustling cities and chilly mountains, frogs turn up everywhere across our landscape
- Only the boys croak—their calls are love songs for the ladies
- Tadpoles are strict vegetarians, but adult frogs are bug hunters through and through
- The Peron’s tree frog is a colour-changing wizard, switching from pale grey by day to reddish brown with green flecks by night commonly seen in this area
Keen to become a frog fanatic? Download the FrogID app from the Australian Museum. It’s one of the world’s biggest citizen science projects, with over 1.3 million frog call recordings. It’s easy and helps scientists to keep tabs on our froggy friends including vulnerable species like the Red-crowned Toadlet and the Giant Burrowing Frog found right here in the Hawkesbury. Who knows, you might be lucky enough to record one!
Insert link: www.frogid.net.au at FrogID
