Hot water as a potential disinfestation treatment for an invasive anuran amphibian, the coqui frog,Eleutherodactylus coquiThomas (Leptodactylidae), on potted plants

Biology and Impacts of Pacific Island Invasive Species. 8.Eleutherodactylus Planirostris,the Greenhouse Frog (Anura: Eleutherodactylidae)

“…Hot water spray or vapor treatments are commonly used to treat plant shipments for a variety of pests. Hot water sprayed on plants at either 45°C for 1 min or 39°C for 5 min was effective against adult coqui frogs (Hara et al 2010), and similar results are expected for greenhouse frogs, considering their similar thermal tolerances (Pough et al 1977). Native habitat management, such as leaf litter removal, may reduce frog abundance and the likelihood that they will move into an area.…”

Eleutherodactylus coqui Thomas (Caribbean tree frog)

“…Hot water is also effective at killing frogs and eggs. Both sprayed hot water applied at 45ºC for three minutes and vapour heat applied at 45ºC, 90 per cent humidity will kill frogs (Hara et al, 2010). However, some plant species are sensitive to heat treatments (Hara et al, 2010).…”

Management of Invasive Coqui Frog Populations in Hawaii

“…Steam or hot water baths are effective in treating plant shipments to control a variety of pests. Frogs and frog eggs are killed when exposed to hot water applied at 45 ºC for three minutes or when exposed to steam applied at 45 ºC, 90 % humidity (Hara et al 2010). This technique is effective for plant shipments, but may affect some sensitive plants.…”