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Cuban treefrogs (Osteopilus septentrionalis) are an invasive species in Florida:
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Threat to native speciesThey eat native frogs, lizards, and small snakes, and their tadpoles compete with native tadpoles for food and space.
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Habitat takeoverThey are successful at taking over habitats and are a threat to Florida’s biodiversity.
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Problems for humansThey can cause power outages by short-circuiting utility switches, and they can get into homes, clogging sink drains and hanging out in toilets. They also:
- Poop on walls and windows, leaving stains
- Take over birdhouses
- Lay eggs in fish ponds and bird baths
- Emit a noxious skin secretion that can irritate the eyes and nose
- Poop on walls and windows, leaving stains
Cuban treefrogs were accidentally brought to Florida in the 1920s, likely as stowaways on ships. They are native to Cuba, the Cayman Islands, and the Bahamas.
To help manage Cuban treefrogs, you can:-
Identify the frogIf you’re not sure if a frog is a Cuban treefrog, ask for help.
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Euthanize the frogUse a 20% benzocaine gel to numb the frog, then place it in a sealed bag and put it in the freezer for 24 hours.
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Report the sightingEmail Dr. Steve A. Johnson at tadpole@ufl.edu with the county and street address of the sighting, and a digital photograph if possible.
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Build a frog-friendly treehouseYou can help native tree frog populations recover by building a frog treehouse.
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Projects
About Invasive Vigilantes
At Invasive Vigilantes we strive to remove ants, reptiles, pepper trees, and lost traps/nets that may cause irreversible extinction of native species through Southwest Florida and The Keys.