*Photo credit: 389blog.com

THE VALLEY, Anguilla, July 22 ——–Members of the Anguillian community are being reminded of the importance of protecting their homes and business places against becoming breeding sites for the Cuban tree frog.

According to staffers at the Health Protection Unit Laboratory the frogs are amphibious and can live on both land and in water. They like shady damp areas and they will lay their eggs anywhere with the right moist conditions including abandoned cisterns and uncompleted or abandoned buildings.

Recent heavy rains have left water in puddles, rock holes, cemeteries and open cisterns – all ideal places for frogs to breed and tadpoles have already been seen in these areas.

Persons can assist with the control of the breeding of frogs by checking any abandoned and uncompleted buildings near to them; screen cistern downspouts from the roof and overflow pipes; and ensure that cistern covers fit tightly.

They can also screen vent pipes from bathrooms; make sure septic tanks are sealed; trim trees and bushes back from buildings; do not leave water in open containers around the yard; and add household bleach to any puddles around your homes where tadpoles are seen.

The Lab is also advising persons that if they already have frogs in their cisterns to empty them completely, clean thoroughly using chlorine bleach such as Clorox, pour some of the bleach in the downspouts, and screen all downspouts and overflows before refilling the cisterns.

Copyright 2010 Anguilla Express, Andrews Publishing Co. Ltd. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or distributed.