Cane toad trap uses the sun

The new trap aims capture cane toads, reduce their numbers and potentially slow their spread into new areas.

Cane toads adversely affect Australian ecosystems, are toxic to native predators, compete with and prey upon native species, are dangerous to pets and can spread disease.

The new trap for cane toads is known as the ToadinatorTM.

The effectiveness of the ToadinatorTM is due to an advanced sound lure, developed in conjunction with JCU researchers, that when activated, traps up to 10 times the number of toads compared to traps without the sound lure.

ACTA managing director, Linton Staples says: “This technology has been years in the making and we have now developed a product that can really help reduce the number of toads in local populations.”

The sound lure is known as the ACTA-AttractaTM and it is a solar powered, self-charging light and sound attractor unit designed to bring toads to the trap.

The inbuilt UV light attracts insects, which in turn also attracts toads. The dual attractants are the key to the success of the ToadinatorTM.

Pre-orders for the ToadinatorTM and ACTA-AttractaTM package are being taken now and demonstration units will be at various events and field days over the coming months.

The Toadinator unit with sound lure is $395 plus GST (and $25 postage) unless more than five units are ordered and postage is free.