Small bugs in enclosure?

MyTortoise

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I've noticed some tiny black bugs flying in and out the dark, damp areas of my tortoises enclosure. I'm not sure how they got in, because I haven't noticed them on her food and its an indoor enclosure. I just wanted to know if its something to worry about, there's only been a few.
 

Yvonne G

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It's probably just fruit gnats. Or wet substrate gnats. Is your substrate wet? Let it dry out. The only thing you have to worry about with the gnats is when they lay eggs and then the maggots hatch. If it were my indoor enclosure, I'd take it outside, dump the whole thing and start over. I hate gnats in the house.

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AmRoKo

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you can use some food grade diatomaceous earth and that will keep bugs away. If you use DE make sure its food grade and use protective eye and mouth wear while its airborne.
 

Tom

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Substrate flies are normal and harmless. They come from the surrounding environment. If you wish to get rid of them you'll need to bake, boil or replace your substrate about every two weeks. I just ignore them.
 

Yellow Turtle01

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I sometimes have those too, and I found out it was because of my wet substrate. let your substate dry out for a few days, and they should be gone.
 

Star-of-India

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Another term for them is fungus gnats 'cause I believe that's what their larvae feed on, although I can't swear to it. They're harmless. I have a pitcher plant around that appears to attract and eat them. I think it's keeping their numbers in check.
 
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