Have you ever had the feeling a ghost lives in your home? Maybe you’ve noticed cabinets that are open even when you know you always close them. Maybe you see the oven door open even though you never cook. Or maybe you hear strange “house settling” sounds. Why is this happening? Could it be a ghost? Or could it be a phrogger?
What is Phrogging?
A phrogging is a person secretly living in another person’s home. Phroggers are typically transient, moving from house to house every few months or weeks. Phroggers rely on their environment for food and other essentials; thus, they tend not to steal expensive items like televisions or stereos. Phroggers typically maintain the homes as if the owners were still living there (e.g., dishes will be washed). Phroggers prefer isolated homes, without visible neighbors — though some communities have developed methods of dealing with phrogs.
Mature Phrogger Tree During Summer Afternoon
Phrogging is more likely to be found in the United States than in most other countries. Phroggers are typically found in rural areas of the South or Northeast regions of the U.S., though they have been discovered in most states. Phrogging has declined over the years due to increased rural to urban migration, increased security at homes, and more effective locks.
Phrogger standing on her front porch Phroggers are often not recognized for what they are until their presence has endured for several years. Phroggers typically do not discuss their activities with friends or family — this aspect of their lives is usually carefully hidden from others, who would otherwise find it alarming.
Who are these people?
These are phroggers. The word “phrogger” is derived from the name “frog.” Like frogs, phroggers hop around from home to home, looking for shelter. They are not always seen or noticed because they tend not to steal expensive items and maintain the homes as if owners were still living there. Most people think of it as a relatively harmless activity — after all, this person has been taking care of your house while you’ve been gone. Phroggers remain secretive and rarely discuss their activities with friends or family.
“Who started this?”
Some say that phroggers started with Phrog, whom his family abandoned in 1905. Phrog worked hard for years at small jobs on farms and plantations, earning just enough money to survive each week. Phrog used the little money he had to buy working papers. Phrog moved from place to place every few weeks or months — doing this for 27 years before lending his name to a new form of lifestyle.
What do phroggers look like?
Phroggers are usually characterized as thin, pale, and often short of stature. Most phroggers are quiet and peaceful people — they prefer not to engage in confrontation. They maintain an almost “invisible presence,” rarely stealing valuables or destroying property while living in’s home. Phroggers may be found wearing soiled clothes and “out-of-style” clothing because they cannot afford to purchase new items.
Phroggers typically do not have tattoos or other common phrog markings.
Can you recognize a phrogger?
Many people think that “telltale signs” can identify a phrog dwellings.
What if I find a phrogger?
Most experts recommend avoiding confrontation with phroggers. It is strongly suggested that you simply ask the person to leave your home immediately; however, this is unlikely because most phroggers are peaceful and try not to engage anyone for fear of being discovered.
How do you know when you’ve been phrogged?
There are several signs of a potential phrogging. These include unlocked doors and windows, certain objects being moved or facing the same direction, stacks of dirty dishes in the sink, beds not made but with pillows fluffed, food disappearing from your refrigerator or pantry, pet food bowls left out for more than one day after feeding pets, more garbage on the trash day cycle or recycling bins brought to the street for pickup.
