Named after the call they make – co-kee – these coqui frogs have become a nuisance in many tropical regions. These tiny tree frogs may be cute and look harmless; they pose a significant threat to the environment and economy. If coqui frogs have invaded the backyard or are nearby, preventing the possibility of a good night’s sleep, it is time to call for help. Contact a local pest control company for assistance with coqui frog removal.
Coqui is the name used for several species of small tree frogs. These frogs are native to Puerto Rico. However, thanks to human-made relocation efforts, both intentional and unintentional, coqui frogs are found in several other tropical locations worldwide. Locations of coqui frogs include Hawaii, southern California, Central and South American, Southern Florida, and Mexico.
Coquis have been discovered at various elevations but tend to prefer living in sea level regions. These tree frogs prefer to remain close to the ground but do like to hide in low-hanging leaves. The coquis choose to live in dense forests, but as populations grow, these frogs are starting to settle in residential areas near homes, parks, and smaller bodies of water.
These tree frogs vary in color, including mixtures of brown, yellow, gray, and green. The bottom side of their bodies is typically white or yellow. Eye colors are variations of brown and gold. Coqui frogs measure between one and two inches in length. On average, these tree frogs weigh between two and four ounces. The elevation where the frogs live affects the size. The higher the elevation, the bigger the frogs tend to grow.
Coqui frogs do not have webbed feet. Instead, they have sticky pads at the tips of their toes. These pads help them adhere to large leaves and other slippery surfaces.
Coqui frogs develop inside the egg and hatch, looking like a tiny frog. Most coqui frogs do not live longer than one year. However, the most extended lifespan for this species of tree frog has been documented at six years.
The coqui frog is named after the loud, annoying cal made by the males. Male and female coqui respond differently to various notes within the male’s call. The coqui call serves two purposes. The first part of the call — co — is meant to repel other males from the area, establishing dominance and ownership of a territory. The second part of the call — kee — serves as a mating call to attract females.
These tree frogs are often considered a nuisance as the males start with their calls just after sunset and can continue through sunrise. In some elevations of Hawaii, the coqui calls tend to diminish around midnight. Because the coqui call is noisy and annoying, it may be necessary to call for assistance from a pest control company. A specialist will come out and help determine if coqui frog removal is an option to help give homeowners peace of mind and some sleep at night.
The coqui frog is a nocturnal predator, consuming nocturnal invertebrates. The tree frog’s diet consists mostly of ants, spiders, moths, crickets, beetles, snails, and smaller frogs. These are very opportunistic hunters and will sit and wait for prey to come to them. Males sometimes eat eggs from their own nest to provide nourishment while guarding the nest.
The coqui frog’s diet can disrupt the ecosystem by forcing native animals, such as birds and bats, to compete for food. When the coqui population gets out of hand and native animals begin struggling, it is time to call in a specialist to help. The specialist will determine the best method for coqui frog removal from a yard or local area.
As with any pest, preventing the infestation is key to controlling the nuisance animal and keeping a backyard coqui-free. To keep these tree frogs away, create a backyard habitat that is less appealing to the coqui frog. Reduce underbrush and tree overgrowth, which protects the coqui from the sun.
Clean up the yard, removing all green waste, compost, and woodpiles. Regularly raking and removing fallen leaves also discourage coqui frogs from settling in. Trim trees and bushes up off the ground limit space and do not offer suitable habitat for the coqui frog. If prevention methods fail, call a local pest control specialist for help with coqui frog removal and exclusion methods.
Regularly inspect plants in the yard for signs of coqui frogs. The sooner the frogs are identified, the fewer chances homeowners have to deal with a full-blown infestation. Additionally, when purchasing new plants, inspect the plant for any signs of coqui frogs. Do everything possible to avoid bringing in new tree frogs attached to lumber, other plants, and on your vehicle.
Anyone who has stayed in Puerto Rico or on the Big Island of Hawaii has probably heard the annoying call of the coqui frog. This invasive tree frog is not native to Hawaii and was introduced to the islands in the mid-1990s. Once established, the frogs swiftly grew in the population, becoming a significant noise nuisance, affecting the economy and disrupting the ecosystem.
One major problem with coqui frogs is the effect they have on real estate prices. Homeowners selling their homes must disclose if they have coqui frogs on the property, affecting the appraisal and selling price. In some cases, the number of frogs inhabiting a yard can be the difference between if a home sells or not.
Coqui frog populations can grow to be more than 20,000 frogs per acre. The considerable number can significantly affect the ecosystem, forcing native animals to compete for food. If the native animal cannot get food, it can die out, leaving the invasive species alone to thrive.
Coqui frogs also pose a threat to the local economy. The loud mating call can force tourists to check out of hotels early or not visit local regions. Additionally, the sale of plants is affected as fewer people will buy plants from local nurseries. Plant sales drop because of the fear of a coqui frog hitching a ride on the plant and making itself at home in the backyard.
Being an invasive species to many regions of the world, the coqui frog is quickly disrupting ecosystems. In addition to their loud and annoying call, the coqui frog forces native species to compete for food. Animals such as birds, lizards, bats, and other species that feed on insects find it more and more difficult to find food once the coqui frogs invade the ecosystem.
These tree frogs feed on insects, such as ants, cockroaches, and beetles, commonly eaten by birds and bats. As coqui populations increase, available insect-based food sources decrease. They are ultimately making it difficult for native species to meet necessary nutrition needs. The competition for food results in some species starting to die off or leaving the area. Many of the animals that remain tend to be smaller and unable to reach their full growth potential.
The decline in native species can cause a waterfall effect on the entire ecosystem. As some of these animals die off or relocate, other predators lose food sources. Some plant species are also negatively affected by the shift in the ecosystem. Another example is the coqui frog does not eat mosquitoes. However, other animals forced out by the tree frog may feed on mosquitoes. Fewer natural predators could result in a significant increase in the mosquito population.
The overwhelming population of the coqui frog can cause the call sometimes to become unbearable. The frog’s call can reach between 80 and 100 decibels. Anything above 45 decibels can prevent a person from sleeping, especially since the calls last from sunset to sunrise. The media has made the troubles with coqui frogs well known, and it is affecting local economies. The presence of coqui frogs on or near residential areas has caused a decline in property values.
Tourist areas are also affected by the coqui call. If coquis are nearby, their call can prevent hotel guests from sleeping. Coqui calls can cause a lot of complaints and ultimately lowering room rates. It may even force some guests to check out early, and if word spreads may prevent many from booking a vacation in the area.
Local nurseries near coqui populations are also negatively affected. Nurseries run the risk of coqui frogs inhabiting plants for sale. Plants sales help the spread and relocation of these frogs and prevent the sale of the plants. Those afraid of bringing a coqui frog home may not buy from a nursery located in an area near forested areas.
Coqui frogs need to be removed, especially once they have become a nuisance. Removing coqui frogs from an area not only reduces noise pollution but also helps restore the local ecosystem. For help with removing these tree frogs, call a local pest removal company.
There are several lethal and non-lethal methods to removing coqui frogs from a location. During the daytime, coqui frogs hide under leaf litter, empty pots, woodpiles, or other moist places. Eliminating these hiding places can help reduce the locations for the frogs to hide. Fewer hiding places may result in forcing the tree frogs to seek shelter elsewhere.
Some lethal removal methods include using hot water, citric acid solutions, and baking soda solutions. All of these methods kill coqui frogs and their eggs on contact. If lethal removal methods are not preferred, there are several non-lethal methods.
Setting up traps is one method to remove and relocate these tree frogs. PVC pipes offer the frogs a place to nest and hide. Setting these up attracts the frogs, and when in the pipes, it is possible to move the trap and the frogs to a location away from human populations. Another method is to capture the frog with gloved hands. A local pest control company can offer guidance and assistance with coqui frog removal and exclusion methods.
Contact a local pest control company for help removing coqui frogs. When calling, ask about the company’s experience with tree frogs and what methods they used to trap, relocate or eliminate these frogs. Some companies offer free estimates and satisfaction guarantees. Ask for all estimates and guarantees in writing. Don’t forget to verify the company is insured and licensed for tree frog control.
Those suffering from the presence of coqui frogs can call for help from a local pest control company. The company’s specialist will come out, check out the problem, and help with coqui frog removal. The ultimate goal is to protect the ecosystem and economy while giving those living in these regions a good night’s sleep.
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