Each day, we hear about new cases of phrogging, with people explaining how someone was secretly living in their house. But where does phrogging happen?

Knowing it can help you take the necessary steps. Basically, phroggers don’t just pick random places — they look for empty properties, weak security, and easy access to basic needs. 

After speaking with experts and those who have experienced these cases, we’ve created this guide. Here, we’ll walk you through common phrogging locations, what attracts phroggers, and how to protect your property from these hidden intruders.

Common Places Where Phrogging Happens Most

Here are some locations where phroggers hide more. 

Houses

Phroggers often target occupied and empty houses. They sneak into attics, basements, or spare rooms, especially when homeowners are unaware or out for long periods. 

Some cases involve families discovering hidden passageways or rooms where a phrogger had been secretly living for weeks.

A good example is Daniel LaPlante. In 1986, Daniel LaPlante secretly lived inside the walls of a family’s home in Massachusetts. He gained access through hidden passages and stayed there for weeks without being noticed. 

Image Source: X

During hiding, he tormented the family by moving objects around the house and leaving eerie, cryptic messages. This created an atmosphere of fear before finally being discovered.

Commercial Buildings

Malls, warehouses, and offices have also been hit by phroggers. These places have plenty of hidden areas and are usually less monitored after working hours. Large warehouses with low security are especially vulnerable, as they often have unused corners or storage rooms where someone could hide undetected.

Vacation Properties

Vacation homes are prime spots for phrogging. These properties are often empty for long stretches, which makes them perfect for anyone looking for a temporary hideout. 

Phroggers take advantage of the fact that owners or renters may not visit frequently, allowing them to stay undetected for weeks or even months.

Public Institutions

Surprisingly, schools, hospitals, and other public buildings have also seen phrogging cases. While it’s rare, some phroggers have been found living in rarely used storage rooms, utility areas, or even maintenance spaces. 

These places have less consistent security, which makes it easier for someone to slip in unnoticed.

Factors That Attract Phroggers

Did you learn where does phrogging happens? Let’s talk about the factors that attract phroggers. 

Seclusion

Phroggers tend to look for properties in quiet or private areas. Houses surrounded by trees, large yards, or located in less busy neighborhoods are easier to approach without being seen. 

The more secluded a property is, the less likely someone will notice a stranger sneaking in.

Weak Security Measures

If a property lacks proper security, like cameras or alarm systems, it becomes an easy target. Phroggers often check for unlocked doors, windows, or garages that can be accessed without much effort. Even a small opening can give them the chance to sneak inside unnoticed.

Availability of Resources

Phroggers need access to basic utilities like water, electricity, and sometimes even Wi-Fi. Homes with outdoor water taps, accessible outlets, or unused rooms with working utilities are especially attractive. These resources make it easier for them to stay hidden for longer periods.

Length of Absence

Properties left empty for long stretches, such as vacation homes or houses of people who travel often, are prime targets. Phroggers know that if no one is checking in regularly, they can stay undetected for weeks or even months. Regular visits or inspections can reduce this risk significantly.

Real-Life Examples of Phrogging

Here are some real-life examples of phrogging. 

The Campbell Family Case (Honolulu, 2019)

Image Source: New York Post

The Campbell family returned from a vacation only to discover someone secretly living in their home. The phrogger, Ezequiel Zayas, not only rearranged their belongings but also left disturbing notes behind. 

Investigators later found that Zayas had been hiding in different parts of the house, using spaces the family rarely checked. This incident deeply impacted the family, who later installed advanced security systems and began routine property checks.

The Airbnb Incident (Los Angeles, 2022)

In a bizarre case, a property owner in Los Angeles, who rented out their home on Airbnb, found that after guests left, a phrogger had remained hidden in the attic. The owner noticed strange activity on the property after the supposed vacancy and called authorities, who found the individual living in the attic. 

The phrogger had been using leftover food and utilities, staying unnoticed for nearly a week. Following the incident, the property owner updated their security measures, including installing motion detectors and regularly inspecting hidden areas.

The Japan Closet Case (2008)

Image Source: Medium

In 2008, a man in Japan discovered that a woman had been secretly living in his closet for weeks. He noticed food disappearing from his kitchen and began hearing strange noises at night. 

After installing security cameras, he was shocked to find out that the woman had been sneaking in and out of his apartment unnoticed. She had been living in a hidden space within the closet, using the bathroom, and eating the food left in the apartment when he wasn’t around.

This unsettling case shows how even in small spaces, hidden entry points can make a property vulnerable to phrogging. 

How to Prevent Phrogging 

Let’s discuss how you can protect your home. 

Security Systems

One of the most effective ways to protect your property from phrogging is by installing a reliable security system. Home security cameras, motion detectors, and alarm systems can help keep an eye on any unusual activity. 

Surveillance allows you to monitor your home in real time, ensuring that if someone is sneaking around, you’ll be alerted immediately. Even simple doorbell cameras can act as a deterrent and give you peace of mind when you’re away. If you successfully do this, next time you won’t need to search for “where does phrogging happen” and take measures to protect your home.

Regular Inspections

Regularly checking your property — inside and outside — is key to preventing phrogging. This includes inspecting basements, attics, storage spaces, and crawl spaces. 

If you’re renting out a property or staying away for long periods, having someone check on things periodically can help spot any signs of unwanted guests. A quick check-up every few weeks could save you from a hidden intruder.

Community Awareness

Encourage your neighbors and community to be vigilant. Having a strong, aware neighborhood is one of the best ways to prevent phrogging and other forms of trespassing. 

Neighbors can watch for suspicious behavior, report unusual activity, and even help look out for each other’s properties. Forming a local neighborhood watch or group chat can increase safety and ensure that everyone keeps an eye on shared spaces.

Legal Measures

Understanding trespassing laws and the penalties for unlawful entry is important for homeowners and tenants alike. Phrogging is not just a creepy situation — it’s illegal. If someone is caught living in your home without permission, they can face criminal charges. 

Familiarize yourself with local laws regarding trespassing and property rights, and take action if you suspect someone has entered your space without consent. Knowing your legal rights can also help you take swift action and protect your property from further harm.

Wrapping Up

Knowing “where does phrogging happens” is the first step in protecting your home. Phroggers often target secluded areas, homes with weak security, and properties left empty for long periods. 

Installing security cameras, securing doors and windows, and checking hidden places can help prevent phroggers from hiding in your home. Be proactive, stay vigilant, and protect your space from intruders.

FAQs

Where do phroggers hide?

Phroggers often hide in places like attics, basements, crawl spaces, or unused rooms. They take advantage of spots that are rarely checked, allowing them to stay undetected for weeks or even months.

How to spot a phrogger?

Look for signs like missing food, odd noises at night, or unusual wear around entry points. If something feels off, it’s worth checking hidden areas or installing security cameras for peace of mind.

How prevalent is phrogging?

Phrogging isn’t super common, but it’s happening more than you might think, especially in areas with empty properties or poor security. More incidents are being reported as people realize how easily it can happen.

How to get rid of a phrogger?

First, call the authorities. Don’t try to confront a phrogger yourself. After removal, improve your security by locking entry points, installing cameras, and making regular checks to prevent future incidents.