They’re not officially declared as pests, but cane toads seem to be wreaking havoc in Springfield Lakes enough for the Springfield Lakes Nature Care to take action and hold toad-busting nights.
Luise Manning, the president of the group has recruited the Springfield/Camira Scouts for toad-busting night. The amphibians have been killing native animals as well as pests, and they are a nuisance to the environment.
Although there is a slim chance of totally eradicating the cane toads from the community, the locals believe that they can control the numbers. Knowing how to identify a cane toad is very important in order to protect native frogs from getting in the line of danger. There is also a humane way to kill the toads.
Identifying cane toads:
- Their colour vary from brown, olive-brown or reddish
- They have thick and leathery skin
- A visor or awning over their eyes are noticeable
- They have small feet with claw-like unwebbed digits
- They may appear dry
- They look heavily built
Aside from causing environmental and animal damages, cane toads can also transmit diseases, such as salmonella. They also carry toxic illnesses and can cause death to humans and domestic animals if their venom is ingested or if it enters the eye.
The Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) has advised that the most humane way to kill cane toads is through the use of an aerosol spray which has been specifically developed to kill these toads. This spray contains the active ingredient Chloroxylenol and they are commercially available.
Should you find cane toads in your backyard, the proper way to kill them using the spray is:
- Spray sufficiently to the point that they are anaesthetised
- Once the toad stops moving, spray again
- Check after two hours if the toad is dead. You can place them in your garbage or bury them
To stay updated on toad-busting nights, you can click here.