Learn about frogs that are dangerous to your pet and invasive in Florida in our latest article in Suncoast Pet Magazine.
The telltale signs of spring have begun. Birds are chirping,days are warmer and longer and, oh, yes—the frogs arecroaking.Most pond owners have experienced a layer of egg-filled slime onthe surface of their ponds, along with the night-long serenade thatstarts in March and doesn’t stop until the end of summer.Although most frogs are a fun addition to your pond, there are two invasive species, the Cane toad and the Cuban tree frog, which have found their way into our gardens, one of which can be deadly to small pets. #frogs, #pets, #invasivefrogs, #Florida, #Sarasota, #Suncoastpet
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Frogs in Your Yard—Are They Deadly?
By Lisa Burns, Backyard Getaway
Lisa Burns, co-owner of
Backyard Getaway in Myakka City
Lisa is the co-owner of Backyard Getaway, a family owned and oper-
ated pond service and retail pond and water garden supply business,
offering professional and personalized water garden and pond design,
installation and pond maintenance services. Open by appointment
only, Backyard Getaway is located at 2807 S. Duette Road in
Myakka City. For information or to schedule an appointment, call
941-752-POND (7663), or please visit www.backyardgetaway.net.
T
At left, the Cane toad can cause extreme illness and can be
deadly to your pets. Photo© 123rf.com/Christopher Ison
he telltale signs of spring have begun. Birds are chirping,
days are warmer and longer and, oh, yes—the frogs are
croaking.
Most pond owners have experienced a layer of egg-filled slime on
the surface of their ponds, along with the night-long serenade that
starts in March and doesn’t stop until the end of summer.
Although most frogs are a fun addition to your pond, there are
two invasive species, the Cane toad and the Cuban treefrog, which
have found their way into our gardens, one of which can be deadly
to small pets.
Know Your Frogs
We have three types of frogs in Florida—terrestrial, arboreal and
aquatic.
Terrestrial species live on the ground, and most are bumpy. They
can be found under plants and hidden in pots. Toads, including
Southern toads and Oak toads, fall into this category.
If you see a frog in a tree or on the side of your house, it is an
arboreal species. Frogs in this category, like the Green treefrog,
have sticky toe pads, which make them great climbers.
Aquatic frogs are, as the category name implies, water lovers.
Many have webbed toes and will lay eggs in the water. You will find
the American bull frog and Leopard frog singing around your pond.
Keep in mind that not all frogs near your pond are aquatic frogs.
None of the 27 native species of frogs—of which on