Cane Toads
September 22, 2023
Cane Toads
Although cane toad sightings become more frequent after the summer rains stop, there have been many sightings recently. Cane toads tend to move toward homes in search of damp areas to hang out, such as piles of yard waste, leaky hoses, low hanging bushes, evening irrigation and in-ground water and gas meters / shut off valves. Lights left on all night attract bugs that attract the toads.
The skin-gland secretions of cane toads are highly toxic and can sicken or even kill animals that bite or feed on them, including native animals and domestic pets. If you have a dog, it is very important to understand how to identify, avoid and remove cane toads. Learning the symptoms of a dog’s contact and knowing what to do can reduce the impact.
Your TwinEagles HOA contracts with Pesky Varmints, LLC to reduce the quantity of cane toads. Pesky Varmints, LLC comes to TwinEagles about 3 times per month, searching most likely areas on HOA property to catch and remove the toads. A monthly report is issued to us that summarizes the findings. During the month of March, there was an estimated count of 55-60 Cane toads removed. In the last report, the following observation was made: “There is a population of Native Toads found throughout the HOA and Golf Course. These toads look like the Cane toad but do not carry the toxin and are very beneficial to our ecosystem. There were also Cuban Tree frogs seen throughout the HOA. The Cuban Tree frogs are an invasive species, but do not have the toxin like the Cane toads.
If you are noticing toads/frogs around your home, you can email a picture to PeskyVarmintsFL@aol.com so they can identify the species. If you would like to have your personal property inspected, Pesky Varmints can do a night inspection and provide a report of their findings. The TwinEagles price for the service is $100.
As a reminder, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission hosts a comprehensive website titled Cane Toad – Rhinella marina. Below you will find links to specific topics referenced in this site:
The CANE or “BUFO Toad” – How to Identify this Invasive Pest
The CANE or “BUFO” Toad – An Invasive Impact on Florida Pets
Keeping Your Pets Safe Around Cane Toads
Capture and Humane Euthanasia of This Invasive Pest