Will Argentine ants hurt my tortoise?

[Oxymoron]

Hello. I am planning to make an outdoor enclosure in my backyard for my Russian tortoise so he can have a bigger space to live in next year. However, I was worried about the ants in my backyard and whether or not they would attack him. I live in California and the most common species in my area is the Argentine ant (L. humile). From what I have researched, this species will bite when provoked and will sometimes feed on bird and reptile eggs, but there was nothing mentioned about adult reptiles. Thanks.

 

[BrookeB]

The ants I have (California also) have attacked my tortoises before. You can use diatomaceous earth to get rid of ants, I think it’s called that lol., it has to be food grade.. and I’m not sure how to apply it so hopefully someone else will come and answer this question fully lol.. hopefully I just have worse ants and you have the nice guys but honestly all ants suck so ??‍♀️

 

[BrookeB]

Ants

Here are a few home remedies I've accumulated over the years: Several Home-made Ant Remedies 1 – Boric Acid Ingredients: 1 Tablespoon of Boric Acid, 1 tsp of Sugar, 4 oz water, Cotton Balls. Mix Boric Acid and Sugar in a bowl. This can be poured over a cotton wad in a small dish or bottle...

www.tortoiseforum.org

 

[Oxymoron]

Thank you very much.