FAQ

ToadTurret is an automated cane toad detection and response device. It uses a camera and AI to identify cane toads at night, then targets them with a precise spray. It runs automatically without needing someone to operate it.

ToadTurret uses a camera that captures images and runs them through an AI model trained specifically on cane toads. The model identifies toads by their shape, size, and appearance. When connected to WiFi, detections are also verified by a second AI model on our cloud server for extra safety.

Yes, and that is when it is most useful. Cane toads are nocturnal, so the device is designed to operate after dark. ToadTurret uses a white light to illuminate the detection area, which gives the AI better colour and texture information for accurate identification.

ToadTurret lets you fill the reservoir with your own spray solution. Based on available research, a diluted clove oil and ethanol or isopropyl solution has shown to be effective. Users should ensure they dilute their mixture significantly, as concentrated solutions may damage the pump over time. Replacement pumps are available in the store.

We recommend following the National Standard Operating Procedure (NATSOP-CAN001) guidelines for humane cane toad control. Dettol should be avoided as the RSPCA considers it inhumane.

Important: If using clove oil or other essential oil-based solutions, avoid placing the device near waterways as these are toxic to fish and aquatic species.

The device can also be used in alert-only mode without spraying.

The AI can distinguish between cane toads and other animals. If it detects a pet, native frog, or any non-toad animal, it pauses to let the animal move away. The system is designed to err on the side of caution. However, no AI is perfect, so there is always a small chance of misidentification. We are constantly working to improve accuracy.

The AI model has been trained to recognise native frogs as distinct from cane toads. If a native frog is detected, the safety system activates and the device pauses. We take native wildlife protection extremely seriously, but as with any AI system, occasional misidentification is possible.

Every detection is captured as a photo and uploaded to your dashboard when connected to WiFi. You can review all siting images and see exactly what the device detected. The dual-layer verification (on-device plus cloud) significantly reduces false positives, but it is not infallible. If the AI is unsure, it pauses rather than acts.

If you do spot a misidentification, you can report it directly from the dashboard. Reported images are reviewed by our team and added to the training dataset, which helps improve future versions of the AI model for everyone.

Use the ToadOps mobile app or the web interface at app.toadops.com.au to add your device via Bluetooth, then optionally connect it to your WiFi for cloud features. The whole process takes about 10 minutes. See our Getting Started guide for a detailed walkthrough.

No. The app or web interface walks you through setup step by step. You do not need any technical skills.

Place it where toads are most active: near garden taps, pet water bowls, garden beds, or along known toad paths. Avoid spots where water might pool around the device, and try to find a cool or semi-shaded location to prevent overheating. See our Best Practices guide for detailed positioning tips.

We have also noticed that toads tend to gather wherever insects congregate. Compost heaps, cow pats, and even roadkill can attract large numbers of them, so these areas can be worth monitoring if they are near your property.

ToadTurret needs a 12V 3A power supply. A USB-C PD (Power Delivery) charger paired with a PD trigger cable works well. The trigger cable negotiates a higher voltage from the charger, stepping it up to 12V. We offer PD trigger cables and a solar kit in the ToadOps store, and compatible USB-C PD chargers can be sourced cheaply from most online retailers.

ToadTurret works best with a WiFi connection, which allows it to upload detection photos to your dashboard, run dual-layer AI verification, and receive software updates. The core detection and spray functions work without WiFi, but you will not be able to review siting images remotely or get the cloud second opinion on detections.

ToadTurret requires a 2.4 GHz WiFi network. The device cannot connect to 5 GHz networks. Most home routers broadcast both, so check your router settings if you are having trouble connecting.

ToadTurret can only target one toad at a time. When multiple toads are visible, the system uses a combination of confidence score, size, and position to pick the best target. At a high level, it prioritises the largest toad closest to the bottom of the frame, as that is typically the one within the most effective spray range.

Yes. When connected to WiFi, every detection is captured as a photo and uploaded to your ToadOps dashboard. You can view siting images, confidence levels, and activity logs from the mobile app or at app.toadops.com.au.

Yes. The ToadOps app is available for iOS and Android. You can use it to set up devices, view detections, and monitor device status. You can also use the web interface at app.toadops.com.au.

Yes. Software updates are delivered automatically when your device is connected to WiFi. You do not need to do anything.

ToadTurret is available through the ToadOps store. We also sell solar kits, USB adapters, and replacement parts.

We originally planned to make black the default colour, but during testing we found that black enclosures placed in direct sunlight experienced a significant increase in internal temperature. In some cases, the heat caused camera issues and affected performance. While we do recommend avoiding direct sunlight, we wanted to minimise the chance of problems wherever possible, so we moved to lighter colours.

We are based in Lowood, South East Queensland. We also visit Brisbane and Ipswich frequently.

Use our contact form or email us. We are a small team and aim to respond as quickly as we can.