How dо I gеt rid оf Cuban Treefrogs іn mу backyard Thеѕе frogs аrе nоt native tо Florida аnd thеу аrе destroying оur natural habitat. Wе uѕеd tо hаvе lots оf native tree frogs but thеѕе cuban оnеѕ аrе killing thеm all. I’ve read they’re іn florida, georgia аnd louisiana too. I don’t wаnt tо touch thеm but fоr nоw аll саn dо іѕ throw thеm іntо thе woods but thеу соmе back. Iѕ thеrе ѕоmе kind оf spray fоr them?
The Cuban Treefrog (Osteopilus septentrionalis) іѕ nоt native tо thе US. It саmе frоm Cuba, thе Cayman Islands аnd thе Bahamas. Thеу wеrе асtuаllу brought accidentally bасk іn thе 20’s аnd arrived bу ships аnd boats.
Cuban Treefrogs аrе аn invasive pest hеrе іn Florida (and оthеr tropical areas). Thеу harm оur normal ecosystems аnd thеу саuѕе problems fоr people too. Cuban Treefrogs eat оthеr frogs, nоt tо mention lizards аnd еvеn snakes. Rіght nоw they’re mоѕtlу bеіng fоund іn аnу city оr subdivision thrоughоut Florida аnd lіkе common tree frogs, thе Cuban species wіll hang nеаr lights, оn thе wall, аrоund windows аnd іn plants. They’ll bе pooping аll оvеr thе walls аnd windows whісh leaves ugly stains. Thеу аlѕо ѕееm tо lіkе bat аnd bird houses аnd іf you’ve gоt а pond, they’ll start reproducing аnd tаkіng thаt оvеr too.
Cuban Treefrogs wіll forage іntо homes аnd love hanging іn bathrooms, toilets аnd sink drains. Cuban treefrogs саn grow quіtе large аnd оnсе іn thе walls wіll саuѕе electrical issues. And whеn thеу die іn thе wall, they’ll stink lіkе а mouse оr rat.
Because mаnу insects lіkе thеѕе ѕаmе areas, we’ve bееn selling a repellent that will both repel the insects these frogs target AND also chase off the frogs.
Treatments can last 4-6 weeks but in general, once you treat you see immediate results meaning the frogs will leave and not come back.
The Cuban tree frog is an invasive species that has spread throughout Florida and other southern states, wreaking havoc on local ecosystems Originally from the Caribbean, these large frogs were accidentally introduced in the early 1900s, likely as stowaways in shipping crates While interesting creatures, the Cuban tree frog’s presence in the US is problematic for both nature and homeowners. By understanding why they are so destructive, learning to identify them, and using humane but effective control methods, you can help mitigate their damage.
Why Are Cuban Tree Frogs Considered Invasive?
Cuban tree frogs are voracious predators that consume at least 5 species of native frog as well as snakes and lizards. Their tadpoles compete with native tadpoles for resources. In urban areas they hang out on house walls near lights to catch insects. But they also leave droppings on windows invade bird houses, clog drains, and lay eggs in backyard ponds. Their large size allows them to cause electrical shorts by infiltrating utility boxes. Basically, they disrupt local ecosystems and infrastructure.
Native tree frogs in Florida and elsewhere are smaller and do not pose the same utility risks. Cuban tree frogs secrete toxic skin mucus that gives them an advantage over predators. They thrive in habitats from forests to swamps to suburbs. With rapid reproduction and adaptability to urban areas, the Cuban tree frog easily colonizes new territory.
How Did Cuban Tree Frogs Spread Across the Southern US?
Native to Cuba, the Bahamas, and the Cayman Islands, Cuban tree frogs arrived in Florida in the 1920s as stowaways in cargo. They then expanded across southern states, likely spread by potted plant shipments and vehicles. With ideal traits for establishing colonies, Cuban tree frogs now live throughout Florida and have reached as far north as South Carolina.
These hardy frogs can survive in varied habitats from natural areas to cities. Their ability to withstand colder temperatures has allowed their range to spread. Unfortunately, wherever Cuban tree frogs go, they wreak havoc on native species. Their adaptability, voracious appetites, and rapid reproduction make them a challenge to control.
Identifying Cuban Tree Frogs
Cuban tree frogs can be difficult to distinguish visually. Unlike other frog species with defined markings, they can shift colors from brown, gray, green, to white. They blend into their surroundings well. Adults tend to gain more green pigment. If you see a very large arboreal frog, it is likely a Cuban tree frog. They can reach 5-6 inches, while native tree frogs are all much smaller.
Listen for their loud calls, which sound like a squeaky dog toy. Also look for bright yellow patches on their hind legs when they jump. Cuban tree frogs have warty skin that helps them camouflage. Finding a giant frog that can change colors is a definite clue you have identified the Cuban invader.
Problems Cuban Tree Frogs Cause
These invasive frogs not only threaten native species through predation and competition, they can also create issues around homes and infrastructure:
- Invading plumbing and clogging drains
- Reproducing rapidly in pools, ponds, and bird baths
- Taking over bird houses
- Leaving droppings on walls and windows
- Short circuiting utility switches and causing power outages
Their adaptability means Cuban tree frogs often live in close contact with human settlements. Homeowners experience the brunt of issues firsthand.
Effective Control Methods
While relocation is illegal and ineffective, several humane control methods can reduce or eliminate Cuban tree frogs from your yard:
Remove Eggs and Tadpoles
Cuban tree frog eggs cluster together in ponds/pools. Simply scoop them out and let them dry in the sun. Removing eggs and tadpoles prevents future generations from invading.
Eliminate Food and Water Sources
Conceal pet food, use mild insecticides to kill bugs they eat, and remove bird baths/ponds to discourage Cuban tree frogs from lingering. Trim vegetation near water sources too. Without necessities, the frogs will leave to find them elsewhere.
Apply Chemical Irritants
Spray 20% benzocaine, found in burn ointments, on frogs’ backs/bellies to quickly sedate them. Then seal in a bag and freeze overnight for humane euthanasia. A salt water or citric acid solution also irritates their skin into dehydration. Follow label safety guidelines.
Trap Them
Use glue traps placed where frogs roost and land to capture them. Check traps frequently and euthanize captured frogs humanely right away. Trapping works best for intermittent invaders.
Let Them Freeze
Cuban tree frogs cannot survive below 40 degrees Fahrenheit. When temperatures drop in winter, placing them in a sealed bag in the freezer overnight will humanely euthanize them while they are already in hibernation. This is the most humane method.
Will Cuban Tree Frogs Go Away on Their Own?
Unfortunately, Cuban tree frogs are here to stay in the southern US. Without control efforts, they will continue expanding their range. Their adaptability gives them an advantage over native frog species.
While they may disappear in winter or migrate from your yard briefly, Cuban tree frogs will likely return each spring and summer. Maintaining ponds, lights, and vegetation attracts them. Implementing humane control methods requires commitment each season to curtail their invasion long-term.
Why Should You Make the Effort?
Cuban tree frogs may seem like just another backyard pest, but their presence threatens vulnerable ecosystems. Native frogs, lizards, and snakes fall prey to these voracious invaders. Their toxins give them an unfair advantage, too.
Around homes, Cuban tree frogs damage infrastructure and cause nuisance issues like clogged drains. Their skin secretions can irritate humans as well. Taking simple, humane actions to reduce Cuban tree frogs protects both nature and your home environment. Though they will persist regionally, minimizing their impact locally makes a valuable difference.
Are Your Treefrogs Invasive Cuban Treefrogs?
The Cuban Treefrog can be tough to identify. These invasive frogs can be white, gray, green, or brown, and can change colors. Some Cuban Treefrogs have dark streaks or splotches on their backs, while others are nearly solid color with no markings. To see photos of Cuban Treefrogs and learn tips on how to identify them, check out :
Florida is also home to several native treefrogs — be sure to check out the link on the left for Floridas Frogs to view information about native treefrogs and other frogs.
Cuban Treefrog — Annoying Pest!
The Cuban Treefrog (Osteopilus septentrionalis) is native to Cuba, the Cayman Islands and the Bahamas. These treefrogs were accidentally brought to Florida in the 1920s, probably as hitchhikers in cargo containers on ships. Cuban Treefrogs are considered invasive in Florida (and other tropical areas) because they are likely to harm our native ecosystems and also cause a lot of problems for humans. Cuban Treefrogs eat at least five different species of native frogs, not to mention the occasional lizard or small snake, and their tadpoles compete with native tadpoles for space and food. Cuban Treefrogs are common in urban areas, where they hang out near lights on the walls of houses and catch insects. They often poop on walls and windows (leaving ugly stains), take over birdhouses, and lay eggs in fish ponds and bird baths. Sometimes Cuban Treefrogs even find their way into homes, hanging out in toilets and clogging sink drains. Cuban treefrogs grow very large, and are known to cause costly power outages by short-circuiting utility switches. Our native treefrogs are all much smaller, and arent known to cause such utility problems.
To learn more about Cuban Treefrogs, read “The Cuban Treefrog in Florida”.
How To Identify Cuban Tree Frogs
FAQ
What keeps Cuban treefrogs away?
Sniff’n’Stop may help to exclude Cuban treefrogs from seeking refuge in sheltered spaces on residences, such as vent stacks and spaces behind storm shutters and rain gutters. By restricting the frogs’ access to these refuges, Floridians may also be able to reduce the potential for human– frog conflicts.
How to control Cuban treefrogs?
“The most humane way to euthanize Cuban Treefrogs is by liberally applying benzocaine (20%) to the back or belly of the frog. At your local drugstore, you can find a variety of products containing 20% benzocaine — first aid or burn sprays and toothache gels or liquids.
How do you control tree frogs?
You could also add fish to your water gardens, because many tree frogs won’t breed where there are fish present. Another thing tree frogs don’t like is salt water. Salt dries up things, and tree frogs have to stay moist. If they’re all over your deck, patio, and lane, spray these areas with salt water.
What is the defense mechanism of the Cuban Treefrog?
Cuban treefrogs are also resistant to predation. They secrete a toxic mucus through their skin, making them unpalatable to many predaceous birds and snakes, such as the American crow and black racer.