If someone were to ask you to name some common household pests, frogs would probably not be at the top of your list. While most frogs in Florida are completely harmless, there are a few species that have invaded the state that can cause harm to humans and their pets. This article will uncover the two most dangerous species of frogs in Florida, as well as what you should do if you discover an infestation of frogs on your property.
Dangerous Frog Species In Florida
According to the University of Florida, 30 different species of frogs breed in the Sunshine State. Twenty-seven of these species are native to the state, while three are non-native. Two of the most dangerous species of Frogs you could come across in Florida include the Cane Toad and the Cuban Treefrog.
The Cane Toad
The rainy season in South Florida brings an increase of Cane Toads. Cane Toads are different from native toads due to their toxic skin gland secretions. The toxins that are emitted from these glands can cause extreme irritation and temporary blindness if it comes in contact with human eyes. Also, these toxins have the potential to sicken or even kill dogs, cats, and other small animals that bite or attempt to eat them.
The Cuban Treefrog
The Cuban Treefrog can be challenging to identify and are common in urban areas where they hang out on the walls of houses to catch insects. While Cuban Treefrogs may appear harmless and even cute, they can cause devastating effects on our ecosystem and to our health. Cuban Treefrogs’ skin secretes a mucus that can irritate your eyes and nose, cause allergy-like symptoms, and even trigger asthma attacks. They are also known to invade toilets and clog drains, and invade power boxes and cause power outages. This non-native species can also cause damage to your pet’s eyes and nose if he or she comes into contact with the frog’s potent mucus.
What To Do If You Have A Frog Issue
The first step is to learn the difference between invasive and non-invasive frog species. Being able to identify invasive species is critical to keeping your pets and family members safe. If you come into contact with an invasive frog, attempt to capture it by hand using gloves or a trap. After you have successfully contained the frog, humanely euthanize it by applying benzocaine or lidocaine to the frog’s belly. Once you have completed this, place the frog in a bag and freeze it. Keep in mind that it is illegal in the state of Florida to translocate the frogs elsewhere without a permit. If you do not feel comfortable catching the frogs on your own, enlist the help of a trusted pest control company with years of experience in dealing with amphibian removal.
How To Keep Invasive Frog Species Away From Your Home
While there isn’t much you can do to rid the state of Florida from frogs completely; there are measures you can take to deter them from living on your property.
- Make sure to bring pet food and water in at night. Cane Toads are known to eat pet food and soak in pet water bowls during dry spells, which can result in your pet getting poisoned.
- Accompany your pets outdoors early in the morning and late at night. These are the times of day when Cane Toads are most active.
- Shut off exterior lights at night. Insects are attracted to light, and Cuban Tree Frogs and Cane Toads are attracted to insects. Turning off your lights will not only keep invasive frogs species away, but it will also keep pesky insects like spiders and mosquitos away from your home.
- If you find frog eggs in standing water near your house, remove them immediately.
- Keep up with chemical treatments in your pool, as well as shock treatments to prevent invasive frog species from laying eggs.
- Remove debris piles from your yard to deter invasive frogs from hiding near your A/C unit, deck, or around the ends of your lanai.
- If you have a massive frog problem at your home, call on a professional to help. A trusted professional will be able to help you rid your home of invasive frog species safely.
