IggyTrap Also Removes Cane Toads

The cane toad (Rhinella marina), also known as the giant neotropical toad or marine toad, is a large, terrestrial true toad native to South and mainland Central America.

The Cane toads were introduced to Florida in the 1930s and 1940s to control agricultural pests, particularly beetles that were damaging sugar cane crops. However, this initial attempt wasn't very successful. The current populations are believed to be the result of escapes and releases by importers in the 1950s and 1960s. Since then, cane toads have spread throughout central and southern Florida, thriving in urban, suburban, and agricultural areas.

It's quite a story of unintended consequences, isn't it? Do you think there's a way to manage their population more effectively now?

Invasive cane toads are considered detrimental in Florida for several reasons. They compete with native species for food and habitat, which can lead to declines in native amphibian populations. Cane toads are also toxic; their skin and glands produce toxins that can be harmful or fatal to predators, including pets and wildlife. Additionally, their rapid reproduction and adaptability allow them to thrive in various environments, further threatening local ecosystems.

Cane toads can be harmful to domestic pets, particularly dogs and cats, due to the toxic secretions they produce. If a pet bites or tries to eat a cane toad, it can suffer from severe poisoning, which may lead to symptoms such as drooling, vomiting, seizures, or even death. The toxins can affect the heart and nervous system, making immediate veterinary attention crucial if exposure occurs. Even just coming into contact with the toad's skin can cause irritation. Pets might paw at their mouths or eyes, and the toxins can be absorbed through mucous membranes.

Cane toads, also known as Bufo toads, are highly invasive in Florida. Here's why they’re problematic:

1. Poisonous: Cane toads secrete a potent toxin from their parotid glands, which can be      lethal to pets, wildlife, and even humans if ingested. This toxin can cause severe reactions, including seizures and cardiac arrest in animals.
2. Predatory Nature: They have a voracious appetite and can eat a wide variety of      insects, small animals, and even pet food, which can lead to a decline in native wildlife populations. This disrupts the local ecosystem.
3. Reproductive Success: Cane toads breed prolifically, with females laying thousands      of eggs at a time. This high reproductive rate allows them to rapidly expand their population and territory.
4. Competition: They compete with native species for food and habitat, often outcompeting and displacing them. This can lead to a decrease in biodiversity.

In short, cane toads are a toxic, invasive species causing significant harm to the environment and local fauna in Florida. They remind us why it's so important to prevent the spread of non-native species.

Cane toads are mostly nocturnal, meaning they’re active and do their hunting primarily at night. They come out after dusk to search for food, taking advantage of the cooler temperatures and the abundance of nocturnal insects.

They tend to be opportunistic feeders, so their feeding times are largely dictated by the availability of food and their environment. During the day, you’ll typically find them hiding in moist, shaded areas to avoid the heat and dryness.

If you’re trying to manage their presence, it’s particularly important to be vigilant in the evening and nighttime hours. What else would you like to know about these nocturnal foragers?

Cane toads are drawn to several factors that make an area inviting for them:

1. Moisture: They need a damp environment to keep their skin hydrated. So, areas with      standing water, leaky pipes, or even well-watered gardens can attract them.
2. Food Sources: Their diet is diverse, so if there are plenty of insects, pet food left outside, or even small animals, they’ll be interested. Additionally, fallen fruits and vegetables can also entice them.
3. Shelter: Cane toads seek out places that provide protection from predators and      extreme weather. This includes dense vegetation, logs, leaf litter, and man-made structures like sheds or garages.
4. Breeding Sites: Water sources such as ponds, ditches, or swimming pools are ideal for breeding. They’re especially attracted to still or slow-moving water where they can lay their eggs.
5. Light: Outdoor lighting can attract insects, which in turn attracts cane toads looking for an easy meal.

To make your yard less attractive to cane toads, focus on reducing these factors. For example, clearing standing water, securing pet food indoors, and minimizing outdoor lighting at night. If you're dealing with a specific cane toad issue, I'm here to help brainstorm more solutions!

Cane toads are not particularly picky eaters, but they do have some favorite snacks. They primarily enjoy:

1. Insects: Beetles, ants, crickets, roaches, and caterpillars are staples in their diet.
2. Small Animals: They will eat small rodents, reptiles, other amphibians, and even small birds if they can catch them.
3. Pet Food: Cane toads are often attracted to cat and dog food left outdoors.
4. Fruits and Vegetables: Fallen fruits and garden vegetables can also be appealing to them.

Their diet’s variety is one of the reasons they're so successful as an invasive species; they can make a meal out of almost anything they come across!

If you live anywhere near water, you most likely have Cane Toads. Because they're nocturnal you'll rarely see them, but that doesn't mean your pets won't find them. Pets can easily get on the scent of a Cane Toad, and one bite could catastrophic! 

IggyTrap can easily add Cane Toad removal to your Iguana removal program.  Ask your IggyTrap Salesperson for more information or call 888-355-4449 (IGGY)