Cane toads are making the most of this wet weather but here are a few options for locals to make the most of reducing the numbers of this pest species and you don’t even have to own a golf club!
Amphibians are making the most of the wet weather, with tadpoles taking up residence in the millions of puddles around Townsville.
Many local residents are reporting hundreds of the wiggly creatures in their backyards and asking the question ‘what do I do about it?’
Now is in ideal time to help stomp out the dreaded cane toad but caution is encouraged, to ensure our beloved green tree frogs do not bear the brunt of any measures intended only for their uglier amphibious cousin.
How to tell the difference between cane toad “toadpoles” and frog tadpoles:
- Colour: Cane toad tadpoles are typically jet black, while frog tadpoles often have a greenish-grey colour with gold speckles.
- Size and Shape: Cane toad tadpoles are generally smaller and have a bulkier body, whereas frog tadpoles are slimmer with tails that are at least twice as long as their bodies.
- Behaviour: Toadpoles tend to form large, slow-moving groups and do not come to the surface to breathe, unlike frog tadpoles.
- Do not try to identify toadpoles at night! Toadpoles are black during the day but may become partly transparent at night and look more like tadpoles.
If indeed you’re housing the cane toad variety, here are some tips for doing your bit for the environment without hurting our native wildlife:
According to Frogsafe.org.au, the easiest and most humane way to eliminate toads is to get rid of them at their egg stage.
“Pull the long strings of toad eggs out of the water and dispose of them by either putting them into your compost bin, burying them in the garden or leaving them on the lawn to dry in the sun,” instructed their website.
While Frogsafe.org.au is opposed to the use of chemicals – on the basis of impact to the surrounding environment (e.g. impacting drinking water for other animals, soil PH, destroying grass or accidentally poisoning a frog instead) and their strong feelings regarding inhumane treatment of animals, even the cane toad.
However, suggestions for those who are happy with the abovementioned risks include treating the puddle of toadpoles (not tadpoles!) to a drink of:
- Dettol
- Vinegar
- Turpentine
- Salt
- Kerosine
- Dishwashing liquid
- Cooking oil
- Methylated spirits
Tadpole traps can also be purchased at various shops or here Tadpole Trapping – Watergum.
If you want to try and make your own cane toad tadpole trap – try this: https://youtu.be/Ua4Byi8nDHw?si=cw82PvpWJVzhMYMA
