Don't Go Off the Deep End! Humane Ways To Keep Frogs, Insects, and More Out of Your Pool – Realtor.com

News & Insights
News & Insights
Home Improvement
By Kathleen Willcox
September 6, 2023
Pools were made for human R&R. But all too often, insects, amphibians, and mammals want to throw their own kind of pool party in your liquid sanctuary.
And you won’t likely know about it—until you dive into your pool and discover a few uninvited companions. Pool owners often come face to snout with every kind of critter, from swimming frogs to raccoons doing their best doggy paddle. And just like that, your serene backyard oasis becomes a bit of a nightmare.
You already know how to protect your home from mosquitoes, moths, spiders, and other creepy crawlies. Now it’s time to protect your pool.
To lend a hand, we tapped the experts for the lowdown on how to humanely and safely reclaim your pool.
Just like humans, animals, amphibians, and insects are drawn to water.
“Pools are an obvious water source, especially during sweltering weather,” says Allan Bossel, owner of Michigan Bed Bug Specialists. “The reflective water surface confuses insects and other critters, causing them to mistake the pool as a natural body of water.”
Another draw is the glow of light on a pool.
“It attracts insects during nocturnal hours, effectively also luring their natural predators nearby,” says Bossel.
Finding unexpected pool invaders is distasteful for multiple reasons, but it might also be downright dangerous.
“Certain frogs can excrete substances that irritate human skin,” warns John Parker, founder of Easy Pool Cleaning. “Amphibians, in general, are potential carriers of external parasites that could infest your pool.”
Lizards and other larger mammals can also potentially throw off the pH balance of your water through their waste. Any insects or other creatures that die and are left in the pool can contribute to bacterial growth and potentially damage your pool’s filtering systems and machinery. (In other words: yuck!)
Keep bugs away from your pool area by creating a natural no-fly zone.
“Plant insect-repelling foliage like lavender and marigold,” suggests Parker. “It’s beautiful and functional.”
You can also burn candles designed to ward off insects or put up bird feeders.
“Birds eat insects, so having a bird feeder not only adds charm to your space, it helps keep the insect population down,” notes general contractor and landscaping expert Ben Esman, founder of My Backyard Life in Michigan.
Discouraging insects and other invaders can sometimes come down to nixing food smells and light at night, both of which attract pests.
“Tending to the pool’s immediate surroundings helps cut down on insects and larger animals that feed on them,” says Bossel. “Don’t store trash near the pool, clean up immediately after eating outside, and turn the pool lights off at night to discourage insects from flocking to the area.”
As the saying goes, a little prevention goes a long way.
Skim the pool daily: Before diving into the water, skim the surface. “Keep your pool skimmers clean, and check your pool daily to avoid a buildup of dead insects that will attract larger pests,” Parker advises.
Consider a fence: “Installing a mesh fence around the pool area will prevent larger creatures, like frogs and lizards, from jumping in,” says Rich Mullins, a plumbing and cleaning service specialist and owner of H2O Plumbing at Greenville, IN.
Seal the pool when it’s not in use: “Use a pool cover when the pool is not being used, and that will prevent frogs, snails, moths, flies, worms, and other insects and pests from getting in,” says Mullins.
Maintain proper water chemistry: If you let your pool water stagnate, insects will swarm and attract other pests. “So regularly inspect your pool’s chemical balance and ensure the filtration and jet systems are operating correctly,” Parker advises.
An insect, very small frog, or lizard can easily be rescued from the pool and deposited safely elsewhere with a pool skimmer. If your invader is larger, Parker advises donning plastic gloves and attempting to guide the creature out of the pool.
“But call professionals or animal control if you feel uncomfortable or unsafe, or if the animal is larger and could potentially bite you,” he adds.
Never put yourself in danger, especially if the invader could be rabid.
Once you’ve reclaimed your pool, assess the chemistry and make adjustments as needed.
Kathleen Willcox is a journalist who covers real estate, travel, and food and wine. She lives in Saratoga Springs, NY.
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