The cane toad is not a native inhabitant of Australia but it is found more and more in the country, especially in the tropical north where it has spread. Rhinella marina, as the cane toad is officially known, is an unpleasant species of amphibian largely because of its toxic skin which can kill animals. It has even been known to cause deaths in humans who have been exposed to too much of it. Cane toads first came to Australian shores via the sugar cane fields of Puerto Rico in order to control insect pests. Since then, they have spread and caused many problems with indigenous species. In 2009, they moved out of Western Australia and began to be sighted in Northern Territory for the first time. Wherever you find one, what should you do to get rid of them?

Beating Them

Although some authorities in Australia have recommended smashing cane toads over the head with a golf club or even a cricket bat, this is not the ideal way of dealing with them. Firstly, it is incredibly yucky because their bodies are quite easily squashed. Secondly, their poisonous skin could get onto yours and cause irritation, at least. Thirdly, pets tend to take an interest in their dead bodies and become ill, as a result of sniffing around them. Although you might be tempted to beat cane toads in their droves, seek advice from a commercial pest control operator if you have lots to deal with.

Catch Their Young

One of the best ways of dealign with a rising cane toad population is to remove their young from creeks and ponds around your home. Simply collect up their spawn before they start swimming freely as tadpoles and place them in a watertight container that they cannot escape from. If you do this repeatedly, then you can drive down their numbers significantly. Another good tip is to remove areas that are attractive for them to lay their eggs in the first place.

Freezing Them

Some people prefer to deal with cane toads in as pain-free a manner as possible. For many, this means catching them and then placing them in a cold environment, such as a freezer. Scientific research has shown that, as the body of a cane toad lowers in temperature, so the animal will go into a naturally comatose state. Once a toad reaches sub-zero temperatures, it will then expire but have no sensation of distress during the process.

For professional help dealing with a cane toad problem, contact companies like Blakes Pest Management.