Discovered a new pest

[Iowa newbie]

For the last few months I keep finding holes being dug in my pots. Wasn't sure if it was a bird looking for a meal or what else it could be. Today I discovered this toad, he has dug at least a couple dozen holes in my pots. Ive seen people wrap their pots in chicken wire and mesh, is there another solution to these pests? I relocated him a good hundred yards or so away but I am afraid he probably has a friend or two

 

[yashu]

I don’t think they do anything to the tree and may actually be keeping insect pests at bay. He wouldn’t be there if there wasn’t food nearby… just a thought.

I had this guy hanging out with my trees one summer but being a tree frog he just hung out in the pots and trees and did not dig at all.

 

[Wires_Guy_wires]

They seem to have trouble with toothpicks and wooden skewers that are pointing upright. Make your soil a cactus.

Soft mesh like mosquito mesh can be wrapped pretty easily and will allow ample water and air penetration, and it can easily be removed.

An old slab of dead wood on the ground would be a good cover for them to do a little catch & relocation.

Remember, toads breathe through their skin. So anything that tastes bad, might scare them off as well.

 

[Iowa newbie]

I don’t think they do anything to the tree and may actually be keeping insect pests at bay. He wouldn’t be there if there wasn’t food nearby… just a thought.

I had this guy hanging out with my trees one summer but being a tree frog he just hung out in the pots and trees and did not dig at all.View attachment 456153

The ones I have continuously burrow deeper to escape the heat disturbing new roots and destroying the balance of water and O2.

I just tried wires guy technique with toothpicks and sure enough one came flying out scaring the bejesus out of me. I dispatched him a long ways away too but may need to come up with a more permanent solution.

 

[Shibui]

The ones I have continuously burrow deeper to escape the heat disturbing new roots and destroying the balance of water and O2.

We have a frog species that burrows under the soil here too. They can push a small tree right out of the pot if it is not tied in, not to mention soil disturbance and probable root damage. I guess the loose soil in bonsai pots is attractive to a burrowing frog/toad.
I don't have trouble now that the pots are up on benches.

 

[Leprous Garden]

Maybe if you provide an even better spot for them they'll leave your trees alone and continue eating bugs?