Frogs – A Natural Form of Pest Control?

Frogs – A Natural Form of Pest Control?

A Natural Predator

Insects are a major player within the circle of life. They can simultaneously be predators and prey – providing both population control and sustenance. One of the most prolific insect eaters that can be found in many places throughout the world are frogs. They are highly adept at catching insects, even when in flight, which is all due to their incredible tongues. Frog tongues can be shot out of their mouths at staggering speeds, stretching sometimes far beyond the length of their bodies in order to strike at insects. However, this is not the only feature of their tongues that make them so deadly to creepy crawlies. The secret to their success is actually the incredibly unique properties of their saliva.

A Study to Wag Your Tongue About

A study published in the Journal of the Royal Society Interface explored the surprising physical changes of saliva on frogs’ super sticky, elastic tongues. The researchers collected samples of the saliva and conducted several tests on the fluid. Surprisingly, these tests found that the saliva is, in fact, a non-Newtonian fluid. This means that it does not have the properties of normal liquids such as:

• Freezing at low temperatures
• Moving from one area to another in the same manner
• Flowing with the same characteristics

An example of another non-Newtonian fluid is lava, meaning that frog saliva is truly rather unique. The most unique property of it, however, is its bizarre ability to morph its fundamental properties back and forth between being a non-Newtonian fluid, and being a normal Newtonian fluid. This truly astounding marvel of nature is what allows frogs to be such abundant insect hunters.

Frogs and the Future of Pest Control 

While it may be funny to imagine having a bunch of frogs hopping around as a form of natural pest abatement, it is, unfortunately, not a feasible endeavor. However, that is not to say that frogs are not extremely important to pest control. Not only do they control natural insect populations within their own habitats, but these recent studies decoding frog saliva are helping to change pest control techniques for exterminating businesses. In particular, there is ongoing research into how a similar ‘liquid’ could be produced in the form of adhesives – effectively stopping many different pest infestations in their tracks. Only time will tell how we will truly be able to apply the wonders of these little insect-munchers to helping everyone stay pest-free.

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