Bugs in enclosure

[The Adjustor]

I just put some more soil and moss in my torts soon-to-be new enclosure to make the humid hide. I noticed a few small bugs in the dirt after i mixed it all in. I think it was from the moss because I noticed them inside the humid hide and I've never seen them anywhere before (I don't use moss anywhere else but the humid hide). Are these going to be a problem? They are very small oval shaped white bugs. I only saw maybe 5 or 6 and I killed all the ones that I could, but I think one or two may have gotten away, and who knows how many were hidden.

 

[dmarcus]

I don't think they will be an issue for your tortoise, I think they bother us humans more.. I would keep an eye on it...

 

[jackrat]

Most likely won't harm the tort.You can kill them with diatomaceous earth,sprinkled on the substrate.

 

[The Adjustor]

Most likely won't harm the tort.You can kill them with diatomaceous earth,sprinkled on the substrate.

Thanks for that tip. I don't expect it to become a problem, but if I keep noticing them I might try that.

 

[Redstrike]

From the description, they're most likely collembolans and/or fungus knats, both are common detritivores and should be harmless to you and your tort/torti.

 

[stuntdouble]

Just a side note that diatomaceous earth (DE) is bad for respiratory systems so apply when they are not around and spray to keep dust down but, they're probably fine I have the same prob. I just take their food out after while too seems to help a little. I wouldn't risk a respiratory infection I just live with it

 

[zesty_17]

we get those a lot in the moss used in our ectotherm habitats (mostly frog habs), they shouldn't hurt your torts.