Frequently Asked Questions about Frogs and Toads
(For more information, visit the Frogs and Toads of Florida homepage)
Help! Frogs calling at night are ruining our sleep! What can we do?
Where can I go online to see pictures and calls of frogs and toads?
We found a very large frog in our yard, is it poisonous to our dogs and cats?
We think we have a Cuban Treefrog in our yard. How can we verify this?
Are Cuban Treefrogs poisonous?
I've heard Marine/Cane/Giant Toads are poisonous. Can they kill my dog?
What do I do if my pet bites or licks a Marine/Cane/Giant Toad?
How can I tell if my dog/cat has ingested the toxin from a Marine/Cane/Giant Toad?
How do I get rid of Marine/Cane/Giant Toads in my yard?
I found a Marine/Cane/Giant Toad in my yard, what should I do with it?
Q: Help! Frogs calling at night are ruining our sleep! What can we do?
A: Yes, spring, summer and fall in Florida are prime frog breeding time and the frogs and toads can be very loud.
The frogs/toads can be disconcerting if you are not familiar with them! In reality, there isn't MUCH you can do, but we have some ideas listed below. Try to enjoy the frogs if you can, their eyes can be quite beautiful, and they must be consuming a lot of insects outside your house!
You may be providing some good eatin' for these native frogs! The frogs are attracted to insects, which are attracted to light, so turn off all outdoor lighting. As for light shining from inside your house, we suggest using curtains over a sliding glass door and windows at night to block as much light as possible from shining to the outside.
As for the small frogs around your house, if they are able to cling to walls, etc., they are treefrogs. If they hop only on the ground then they are toads and other terrestrial frogs. If you move them, just wash your hands afterwards so you don't accidentally rub any frog/toad secretions into your eyes.
If you have any permanent ponds -- this is the attraction during the breeding season. The frogs come to the pond to breed and lay their eggs. Even if you drained your pond, some frogs/toads may still hang around, even without a source of water.
Another way to look at it is that you are giving them a relatively safe place to hang out, and if they are native frogs, they need all the help they can get. More and more of their habitat is being replaced with development.
No native frogs/toads of Florida are deathly poisonous to humans or dogs. However, all frogs/toads have skin secretions/mild toxins that taste nasty and may make an animal salivate excessively after biting or licking the frog/toad. The strategy is to educate (not kill) a predator so it will not mess with the frog/toad again. These secretions can also irritate human skin and eyes, so wash hands after touching frogs/toads.
The only exception to this nonpoisonous rule is the non-native Marine/Cane/Giant Toad. However, in Florida they are only found in the southeastern coastal region (Dade Co. and Monroe County), a small area on the southwest coast (Lee and Glades County), and a small area near Tampa (Pinellas County and nearby areas). So, Marine Toads will only be a threat if you live in or near those areas of Florida. Adult Giant toads can be bigger than your fist, much larger than any toad or frog that is native to Florida. It is non-native and DOES have a toxic, sometimes fatal, secretion from glands on its back. (Fatal to small pets, small animals, but not to humans). These toads can reach 6-9 inches in body length.
To identify frog calls, visit the USGS Frog Call Lookup site.
Q: Where can I go online to see pictures and calls of frogs and toads?
A: Here a couple of links to get you started:
Our web page on Frogs and Toads of Florida
U.S. Geological Survey -- Florida Integrated Science Center
Whenever trying to I.D. frogs and toads, take a look at pictures and descriptions in various sources (field guides, web sites, encyclopedia, etc.). Since there can be a lot of color or pattern variation in some species, viewing a lot of different photos will may help you to see the variety. Also, read about other characteristics besides color. Often, these other characteristics are more reliable for identifying the species than its color.
Q: We found a very large frog in our yard, is it poisonous to our dogs and cats?
A: Florida has only one toad that has a dangerous toxin to small animals, the Marine toad (a.k.a., Giant toad or Cane toad), scientific name: Rhinella marina (formerly Bufo marinus). Scroll down to see more information on Marine Toads. If you have found a very large FROG on your property and you live south of an imaginary line across the state from Cedar Key to Jacksonville, the frog is likely a Cuban Treefrog. Adult Cuban treefrogs are more than 3 inches long (not including legs). Another clue: Cuban treefrogs can climb vertical surfaces such as the exterior walls of your home, trunks of trees, etc. If you have found a very large frog or toad on your property and you live in the southern half of Florida, it could be a Cuban treefrog or a Marine Toad (a.k.a., Giant toad or Cane toad). Marine Toads are strictly terrestrial creatures, they cannot climb vertical surfaces. Marine Toads also have wartier skin and chunkier bodies than Cuban treefrogs. Please compare the photos and descriptions of these species on our website about Frogs and Toads of Florida.
Q: We think we have a Cuban Treefrog in our yard. How can we verify this?
A: For photos of the Cuban treefrog, see Frogs and Toads of Florida and the USGS Cuban Treefrog Fact Sheet.
Where did it come from?
Cuban treefrogs are not native to Florida but were unintentionally introduced to the Florida Keys from Caribbean. They are well-established in southern Floridaand have been documented as far north as Cedar Key on the Gulf Coast, St. Augustine on the Atlantic Coast, and the Orlando area in mid-Florida. They are expanding their range, mostly by "hitchhiking" (unintentionally, on motor vehicles and in horticultural plant shipments). Cuban treefrogs are considered an INVASIVE exotic (non-native) species.
Identifying Cuban treefrogs
For photos of the Cuban treefrog, see Frogs and Toads of Florida and for more information read: "The Cuban Treefrog (Osteopilus septentrionalis) in Florida."
Size: Cuban treefrogs range in size from 1.5 to 5 inches in length (body only, not including legs). Adult females are significantly larger than males.
Color: Their color can vary, but Cuban treefrogs are often brownish-yellow, light greenish to beige. They often do not have any bold markings, although they can have subtle markings. The skin on their backs is usually bumpy, like that of a toad. Also, Cuban treefrogs have very large toe pads, relative to their size and relative to native species. They can resemble some of Florida's native species, especially when they are small, so it is easy to misidentify native species as Cuban treefrogs.
Similar Species: Squirrel treefrogs and Green treefrogs, both are native species. For photos see Frogs and Toads of Florida Image Index.
Safety
If you touch the frogs, make sure you wash your hands immediately. Some folks experience a very strong skin reaction (rash) after touching Cuban treefrogs. Also, make sure you don't rub your eyes before washing your hands. The secretions from the skin of any frog or toad can cause eye irritation for some people, but this is especially true with the Cuban treefrog. These frogs are not known to be poisonous to small pets. (However, another non-native species, Marine/Giant toad IS poisonous to small pets. For more about Marine/Cane/Giant Toads, see text below and read the description of the species on Frogs and Toads of Florida.
Impact of Cuban treefrogs in Florida
Cuban treefrogs are voracious eaters -- and unfortunately they eat Florida's native frogs, toads, and lizards! In fact, Cuban treefrogs are SO successful at taking over habitat and eating Florida's native species that they are considered an INVASIVE exotic (non-native) species. They even reproduce faster (spend shorter time in egg stage) than Florida's native frogs, meaning they can soon overwhelm and out-number native frog populations in any given pond or yard, etc.
Many people have reported to us that after they first noticed Cuban treefrog(s) in their yard, they quickly began to see fewer and fewer of the frogs, toads and lizards they used to see before the arrival of the Cuban treefrogs.
What You Can Do
Due to the destructive effects Cuban treefrogs have on native species of amphibians and reptiles, biologists recommend that Cuban treefrogs be euthanized/killed. That's harsh, but true. We recommend a humane method for euthanizing amphibians. But make sure it IS a Cuban treefrog before killing any frog.
A test to make sure it is Cuban treefrog
A good way to tell if you have a Cuban treefrog is to grasp the frog firmly, but gently, and try to move the skin around on the top of the frog's head with your finger tip. The skin on the head of a Cuban treefrog is fused to the top of the skull and won't move. Be sure to wash your hands if you touch any frog or toad, they have secretions in their skin that can irritate your skin and eyes (if you rub eyes before washing hands).
Humane method for euthanizing amphibians
Purchase a small tube of benzocaine ointment, which is used in humans as a pain-killer for toothaches. There are several well-advertised brands as well as much less expensive store brands (generic brands). Simply take a strip of ointment about 1 inch long (more for very large frogs) and spread it down the spine of the frog from the neck to the tailbone. In 5-10 minutes the animal will be groggy; in 15-20 minutes it should be unconscious, and in about 30-40 minutes the frog will die or be near death. Now put the frog in a plastic container and place it in your freezer for 3 days. This is a humane way to kill amphibians because their bodies go into a state of torpor (metabolism slows way down) -- just as they do in cold weather outside. If the cold weather is short in duration, the frogs will come out of their torpor state when temperatures warm up. However, after an extended time in freezing temperatures, the frogs die. Why put the frog in the freezer if it appears to be dead already? We ask you to put it in the freezer because we want to make absolutely sure that heavily drugged frogs that APPEAR dead don't get buried alive. After 3 days, dispose of the carcass properly by burying it deep enough so that a pet or wild animal will not dig it up, or by placing it in a plastic bag and putting it in the trash.
Q: Are Cuban Treefrogs poisonous?
A: No. These frogs are not known to be poisonous to humans or small animals.
But the secretions from their skin can be very irritating to your skin and eyes. To avoid getting the secretions in your eyes, always wash your hands immediately after handling any toad or frog. The secretions from the skin of any frog or toad can cause eye irritation for some people, but this is especially true with the Cuban treefrog.
For more information read: "The Cuban Treefrog (Osteopilus septentrionalis) in Florida."
If you have heard about a poisonous toad in Florida, that is the Marine toad (a.k.a, Giant toad, Cane toad). Scientific name: Rhinella marina (formerly Bufo marinus). See our UF/IFAS factsheet online about the Marine/Cane/Giant Toad (control and identification).
Q: I've heard Marine/Cane/Giant Toads are poisonous. Can they kill my dog?
A: Yes, possibly. The toxin from the Marine/Cane/Giant Toad -- scientific name Rhinella marina (formerly Bufo marinus) -- can be hazardous, sometimes fatal, to pets. In Florida, they are only found in the southeastern coastal region (Dade Co. and Monroe County), a small area on the southwest coast (Lee and Glades County), and a small area near Tampa (Pinellas County and nearby areas). So, Marine Toads will only be a threat if you live in or near those areas of Florida. Adult Marine Toads can be bigger than your fist, much larger than any toad or frog that is native to Florida.
Remember that ALL toads have glands on their skin that contain MILD toxins that just taste nasty or make a potential predator a little sick after they try to eat a toad. The strategy for the toxin is to "educate" the predator to not mess with toads again. But the Marine Toad is NOT NATIVE to Florida and the animals here are not adapted to its toxin, that's why it is a more serious threat. The toxin of Marine Toads can make humans sick if swallowed, so be SURE to wash your hands immediately after touching a Marine Toad. Also, if you accidentally rub your eyes before washing hands, the toxin can irritate your eyes.
If you see a toad that you suspect might be a Marine Toad, first, make SURE it is the Marine Toad (they can look similar to our native Southern toad, which is harmless to pets, they just taste bad). Look at photos and information at Frogs and Toads of Florida and compare the Southern Toad to the Marine Toad. Also refer to the publication, "Marine Toads (Bufo marinus)."
All toads go through a growth stage, so all species at one time or another are small (so it is not safe to assume that all small toads are not Marine Toad species). For Marine Toads, they will not have as much toxin when they are small, but they can still be dangerous. Marine Toads have large, parotoid glands that angle downward onto the shoulders (by comparison, the Southern Toad has parotoid glands that are kidney-bean-shaped and small). Also, the Southern Toad has two ridges just inside the eyes that end in bulbous knobs. The Marine Toad does not have these ridges or knobs.
Q: What do I do if my dog, or cat, bites or licks a Marine/Cane/Giant Toad?
A: Here is what a veterinarian in Miami has said about treatment for your dog or cat if it licks or bites a Marine/Cane/Giant Toad.
David Stelling, a veterinarian who practiced in Miami for more than 14 years, said toad poisoning is a common problem for dogs, particularly terriers. "By nature, terriers are inclined to attack smaller animals," Stelling said. "But any dog may become territorial and bite a toad. Marine Toads will climb into outdoor food bowls to eat leftovers, and this leads to biting incidents." Also refer to the publication, "Marine Toads (Bufo marinus)."
Symptoms of Marine Toad poisoning include drooling, head-shaking, crying, loss of coordination, and, in more serious cases, convulsions. The dog's gums often turn red, an indicator veterinarians use to distinguish toad-poisoning from epilepsy. For this reason, dog owners should be familiar with normal gum color."Treatment is usually successful -- I've only seen two fatalities, and they were very small dogs," Stelling said.
"If you suspect toad poisoning, get a hose and run water in the side of the dog's (or cat's) mouth, pointing the animal's head downward so water isn't swallowed. Rub the gums and mouth to remove the toxin, and call your veterinarian immediately."
Q: How do I get rid of Marine/Cane/Giant Toads in my yard?
A: It is tough to get rid of Marine/Cane/Giant Toads once they are in the area. Most importantly, be sure there is no pet food left outside, during the night in particular (they will eat dog food and are attracted to dog food bowls). Also, you can try excluding the toads with silt fencing. Install fencing around your yard or any ponds or water gardens in your yard. The fencing should be at least 2 feet high and be buried at least 1 foot down in the ground (add, or bend, a lip angled outward at the bottom so toads cannot burrow under the fence). This MAY exclude these toads.
Since Marine Toads are not native to Florida and are dangerous to Florida's wildlife and small domestic pets, biologists recommended that you euthanzie/kill them. We recommend a humane method for euthanizing amphibians. See next answer below. Also refer to the publication, "Marine Toads (Bufo marinus)."
Q: I found a Marine/Cane/Giant Toad in my yard, what should I do with it?
A: Since Marine Toads are not native to Florida and threaten Florida's wildlife as well as small domestic pets, it is recommended that you euthanize/kill them. If you are CERTAIN a toad is a Marine Toad (see information about Marine Toads and Southern Toad at Frogs and Toads of Florida), you can catch it and euthanize it humanely. Also refer to the publication, "Marine Toads (Bufo marinus)."
Marine Toads have large, parotoid glands that angle downward onto the shoulders (by comparison, the Southern Toad has parotoid glands that are kidney-bean-shaped and small). Also, the Southern Toad has two ridges just behind and toward the spine -- these small ridges may end in bulbous knobs. The Marine Toad does not have these ridges or knobs.
Humane method for euthanizing amphibians:
Purchase a small tube of benzocaine ointment, which is used as a pain-killer for toothaches. There are several well-advertised brands as well as much less expensive store brands (generic brands). Simply take a strip of ointment about 1 inch long (more for very large frogs/toads) and spread it down the spine of the frog/toad from the neck to the tailbone. In 5-10 minutes the animal will be groggy; in 15-20 minutes it should be unconscious, and in about 30-40 minutes the frog/toad will die or be near death. Now put the frog/toad in a plastic container and place it in your freezer for 3 days. This is a humane way to kill amphibians because their bodies go into a state of torpor (metabolism slows way down) -- just as they do in cold weather outside. If the cold weather is short in duration, the frogs/toads will come out of their torpor state when temperatures warm up. However, after an extended time in freezing temperatures, the frogs/toads die. Why put the frog/toad in the freezer if it appears to be dead already? We ask you to put it in the freezer because we want to make absolutely sure that heavily drugged frogs/toads that APPEAR dead don't get buried alive. After 3 days, dispose of the carcass properly by burying it deep enough so that a pet or wild animal will not dig it up, or by placing it in a plastic bag and putting it in the trash.
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