Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

We recommend between 1 and 4 depending on the size of the property, amount of toad activity, pet recreation and your aversion to toads.

Install your CANE CATCHER® in shaded areas, hidden in the landscape, or areas where cane toads are seen. They often gather around dripping faucets, A/C lines, or other water sources, and near light fixtures where bugs swarm. Once you put in place, avoid over handling the unit and leave it in one spot for several days at a time to give the toads time to become curious about it. Be patient! Once you have cleared out the toads in one area, move it to another area. Cane toads are territorial so once removed from the yard, it may take an undetermined amount of time for new toads to move in.

The  CANE CATCHER® was developed over several years in the field and designed from a toads-eye view. They will be naturally attracted but there are several ways to make it more enticing. Add some dry pet food or fish food pellets to the center U shape and rebait each time to re-set it. Place it near a light source or add a solar light next to it. Leave cane toads inside for a day or two to call in more toads.

It is normal for pet's to be curious when they find anything new in their environment. To deter them from tampering with your CANE CATCHER® it is good idea to install it away from you pet's normal pathways. Garden fencing can also be used to enclose your CANE CATCHER in as shown here.

It is important to regularly monitor your  CANE CATCHER® by simply looking inside the clear doors to observe any trapped animals. Cane toads can be left inside for a day or so as their call will attract other nearby toads. Make sure that the doors are behind the entry ramp and free from debris that may prevent them from closing all the way. 

First, determine that your catch is a cane toad and not a native toad. Occasionally cane toads will die in the   CANE CATCHER®. After using our touchless disposal method and securing the toads in a heavy duty trash bag, we recommend that you humanely euthanize.  The University of Florida recommends euthanizing them by rubbing or spraying 20% benzocaine toothache gel or sunburn spray (not 5% lidocaine) on the toad. In a few minutes, it will become unconscious. Put the toad in a sealed plastic bag in the freezer (many of our customers use an outdoor cooler with ice) for 24-48 hours to ensure it is humanely euthanized.

Once the toad is dead, dispose of it in the trash; do not bury it.

See Step 6 on the User Instruction page. Turn the unit upside down so that the handle side is touching the ground. This will allow easy and humane escape for non-targeted animals. Always use CAUTION when dealing with wildlife. A long pole can be used to help you keep your distance, by wedging it underneath and flipping the unit from afar. Depending on the type of animal, you may want to consider calling a trapper or other professional. 

Finally, something that you don't have to clean regularly! Cane toads love stink so regular cleaning is not necessary. Occasionally, simply rinse it out with hose and avoid harsh cleaners. You do want to make sure that a build up of leaves and debris emptied regularly to prevent the doors from getting caught. If your CANE CATCHER® looks like the one pictured here, it will not work properly!

  CANE CATCHER® was designed for ease of use and features a touchless disposal method. However, if you do not wish to monitor or dispose of toads, you can enlist the help of a good neighbor, pest control company or local animal trapper. 

A list of  CANE CATCHER® Certified Professionals that offer weekly monitoring is available here:

ANTIMIDATORS 239-986-0470

ANIMAL STOP    239-253-9134

ARMSTRONG PEST CONTROL 239-694-8008

CERTIFIED PEST CONTROL 239-877-4041

COMMUNITY FIELD SERVICES    239-284-6662

FIRST CALL PEST CONTROL 239-247-1534

QUEST TERMITE & PEST SERVICES 239-920-6004

SLETHREPTILES WILDLIFE REMOVAL 260-610-6964

TERRA PEST        239-529-6305

Southern toads have noticeable ridges on their heads that end in big knobs behind their eyes, while Cane toads have relatively smooth heads without pronounced ridges or knobs. 

 CANE CATCHER® will be most effective in warm, rainy months when cane toads are the most active. Many people choose to leave it place year round while others store it away during cooler, dry months. If you have multiple units, they have a built in stacking feature for space saving storage.