Most gardeners know the important role beneficial insects serve in our yards in keeping unwanted pests populations down.
We know birds like bluebirds, mockingbirds, wrens, robins and warblers especially crave insects as a part of their diet and the extra protein to nourish growing little nestlings. They are very busy during the day especially when we do our part to help provide shelter, food, water and diversity through a well-balanced habitat. While these insects and birds are sleeping or in a state of rest another beneficial critter is out crawling, chomping, buzzing around protecting our garden. The "night patrol" is on duty!
Let us not forget the toad! After dark toads get busy becoming hopping, croaking bug zappers. They will eat just about anything that moves including slugs, cutworms, "June bugs" and even earwigs. To keep toads in your yard, simply give them cool shady places to catch some shuteye during the day. Toads burrow under soft mulches. You can really help by placing large rocks over dug-outs in shady soil, or an old clay pot with a rounded chip at the rim turned upside down. Any place that stays cool and moist will make a nice little home. Take a few moments to look around your yard with the toad in mind. A family of toads should be welcome visitors, even if they have a big appetite!
Vicki English, Smith County Master Gardener Intern
Texas AgriLife Extension Service
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