Re: slugs/toads & frogs

 Actually from what I've learned and seen.... most toads eat slugs, as well 
as some frogs, lizards, etc.  I'm not that familiar with the different species 
that are native to the various areas of the US other than the southeast, so am 
not able to list the species.  Often a typical garden doesn't have enough 
toads to "control" the slug problem.....much like a garden having dragonflies 
flying around, yet still having some mosquitos.  It's a balance, not a cure.

The best thing is not to import species that are not native to the area, but 
to encourage the native species of amphibians into your yard with 
watergardens, believe me it works!!!!!!!!!!  
We were a bit more addicted to watergardening than any other type for a long 
time.....after all, don't need to water a watergarden (smile)  and the water 
plants LOVE our weather.  After realizing our obsession and ending up with 14 
water gardens of various types, we found that we MORE than have our share of 
amphibians of all types that come to our yard to breed, despite there being 
bayous, ponds, small lakes, etc. in the vacinity.    I have to say that I don't 
have the slug problem that most people complain about, although I do see them.  
We do have to watch where we step in the evening and early morning though, as 
to not step on a toad or frog on it's way to or from the ponds.  

On a personal note, we dont' have any bullfrogs.  We were fortunate to learn 
in an amphibian class of a wildscape seminar that the Bullfrog is not native 
and has caused much devastation to the native species of not only amphibians, 
fish, etc. but also birds.

There is usually a balance of nature......birds eat the baby amphibians, the 
fish and turtles will eat some of the tadpoles, etc. etc.  The toads and frogs 
help keep the insect population in check.  None of which are completely 
depleted from nature....there are always those that survive to carry on the cycle.  
Having a totally organic yard, I've come to realize this, despite my wanting 
to save all the good and get rid of all the bad.....this just doesn't happen, 
there is just a balance that occurs so that none creates a problem.

Noreen
zone 9
Texas Gulf Coast

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