Build Your Own Frog Hotel: A Safe Haven for Australian Frogs

Frogs play an essential role in Australia’s ecosystems, helping to control insect populations and acting as indicators of environmental health. But with habitat loss and climate change threatening their survival, we can all do our part to support them. One fun and easy way to help is by building a Frog Hotel—a simple structure that provides shelter and moisture for native frogs in your garden or schoolyard.

Why Do Frogs Need Our Help?

Australia is home to over 240 species of native frogs, but many are struggling due to:
🐸 Habitat loss – Urban development and land clearing have reduced the natural spaces where frogs live and breed.
🌱 Pollution – Frogs breathe through their skin, making them vulnerable to chemicals in the environment.
🌡️ Climate change – Rising temperatures and changing rainfall patterns affect frog populations.
🐜 Invasive species – Introduced predators, such as cane toads and feral animals, compete with and prey on native frogs.

By creating a Frog Hotel, you can provide a safe, cool, and moist refuge for frogs, helping them thrive in your local area!

How to Build a Frog Hotel

You don’t need fancy materials to make a Frog Hotel—just a few simple items and a frog-friendly spot in your yard or school.

Materials You’ll Need:

✔️ Ceramic or PVC pipes (around 30 cm long, 5–10 cm wide) – these will act as the ‘hotel rooms’ for the frogs.
✔️ Rocks, logs, or bricks – to provide shade and keep the pipes secure.
✔️ Leaf litter or mulch – to create a natural, moist environment.
✔️ Native plants – to attract insects for frogs to eat and offer extra shelter.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1️⃣ Choose a Shady Spot
Pick a cool, damp location in your yard, preferably near a pond, water feature, or a garden bed that gets regular watering.

2️⃣ Arrange the Pipes
Bury the pipes slightly on an angle (one end higher than the other) to allow excess water to drain out. Position them in groups of two or three, with some close to the ground and others stacked on top of each other.

3️⃣ Add Shelter & Moisture
Surround the pipes with logs, rocks, and mulch to provide cover and keep the area cool and damp. This will make your Frog Hotel more inviting.

4️⃣ Plant Native Vegetation
Adding native plants, such as lomandra, ferns, or rushes, will give frogs extra shelter and attract insects for them to eat.

5️⃣ Keep It Frog-Friendly
🌱 Water regularly – Frogs need a moist environment, so spray the area with water if it gets too dry.
❌ Avoid pesticides & chemicals – These can harm frogs and their food sources.
🐕 Keep pets away – Cats and dogs can disturb or eat frogs, so place your Frog Hotel in a pet-free zone.

Photo by Matthew T Rader on Unsplash

How to Make Your Frog Hotel a Success

Now that your Frog Hotel is set up, keep an eye (or ear!) out for your new guests! Here are some tips to attract frogs:

🦗 Turn off outdoor lights at night – This will attract more insects, providing food for frogs.
💧 Add a shallow water source – A small, shallow dish of water nearby can help keep the area humid.
🎵 Listen for frog calls – If you hear frogs at night, that means they’ve moved in!

By creating a frog-friendly habitat, you’re not just giving frogs a safe space—you’re also helping to maintain a healthy environment.

Help Australian Frogs Beyond Your Backyard

Want to do even more to help our frogs?

✔️ Join a Citizen Science Project – Record frog calls with the FrogID app to help researchers track frog populations.
✔️ Protect Wetlands – Support local conservation efforts to preserve natural frog habitats.
✔️ Educate Others – Share what you’ve learned with your school or community to encourage more people to create Frog Hotels!

🐸 Ready to build your own Frog Hotel? Whether in your garden, school, or local park, every little effort helps to support Australia’s amazing frogs. So grab some pipes, find a shady spot, and start creating a home for these wonderful amphibians today! 🌿💚