Toads and dogs

Toads (specifically Cane Toads) are not only a pest to farmers but also a potential liability for dog owners and their dogs living in the north / northeast states of Australia. Put simply, Cane Toads can kill if your dog ingests an amount of their poison and hence a strategy to prevent this happening is a must.

Prevention the key

Preventing your dog being in contact with Cane Toads is the best approach. One approach is to build a Cane Toad trap and hence remove the number of toads from your back yard where your dog rests and plays.

The trap

First of all a solid fence, made from Colourbond or a similar material, should be built around the dog’s exercise and sleeping areas, up to a height of 600mm. A simple trap is then made (away from the enclosure) by burying a bucket into the earth so that the top of the bucket is level with the soil. Next fill the bucket with approximately 100mm of water, just enough to cover the surface area of the bucket.

Light source

The Cane Toad trap is most effective if you have a light source adjacent to it. Having this light attracts insects at night which in turn attracts the Cane Toads towards the trap.

Capture, collection and dispose

Cane Toads will be attracted by the insects and fall into the bucket each night, not being able to then escape. Each morning, check the trap and release any native frogs etc. that may have also been captured. Dispose of the remaining Cane Toads in a humane way.

Popularity: 94% [?]

If you enjoyed this post, make sure you subscribe to my RSS feed!