Dissuading Frogs in lawn

[idrsparks]

    Greetings.  You folks are my last hope. I have e-mailed a number of colleges, herpetologists, amphibian conservation societies, cooperative extension services, etc., and no one has any suggestions.  Please help.
    There is a cornucopia of frogs and toads in my lawn (I live behind a sump on Long Island in New York). They range in size from ½" to 3".  Some have "suction cups" on their toes (probably tree frogs), but others do not. Some are pale green, others are dark green; some are tan, others are brown; some are spotted, etc. This is all ok with me EXCEPT that I have to mow the lawn, and I can not go 5 feet without seeing MANY of these small creatures hopping left and right to get out of my way. I put off mowing because I just can't bring myself to hurt these guys, but then the lawn gets so tall that I finally have to bite the bullet: I don't water the lawn for 2 days so it's dry and hot; I mow at high noon when the sun is the strongest; I put the mower on the highest setting; I walk very slowly so whoever can jump away does, but of course they are not all getting out of my way, and therein lies my problem. I need a drink by the time I'm finished mowing, and I don't like alcohol!
     I'd really like to dissuade these guys from staying in the lawn. I've tried moth balls, garlic, herbs, etc. Nothing has worked and I understand some things can burn them (citric acid, vinegar) so I'm not experimenting with anything.  No one else has any suggestions, including our local horticultural cooperative extension service. Please help - or please tell me who to contact if you can think of anybody.
      Thank you - Robin Sparks

[rauldiaz]

Hi Robin
Unfortunately, there is no way to deal with this with any chemical deterrant (that i am aware of). Garlic may help in keeping vampires away from your lawn though.  Sorry to say, but you will just have to mow the lawn, as bad as that may be. - Raul