Substrate issues

[Denali]

Hi! I've been having problems with my sulcata enclosure recently. My sultata is approximately 1 year old, and our substrate is plain coconut noir (the one that is in a dry block, and is watered down to become the substrate it is). Lately, I've been noticing white things moving that look like termites. The problem, I suspect to be, is that when I spray the enclosure, my sulcata's shade structure (a log of wood cut in two) gets hit with water. Thus, the wood getting wet gives birth to termites naturally. I guess my question is, what can I do to avoid this, especially since coconut noir needs to sprayed daily. Thanks!

 

[Tom]

What you are seeing is one of the common species of substrate flies. They are harmless detrivores and they inhabit our tortoise enclosures because conditions are just right for them. I just ignore them.

If you really want to get rid of them, you must boil, bake, freeze or replace your substrate about every two weeks. They will keep coming back forever because they are present in the environment around you.

By the way, I think fine grade orchid bark works better than coco coir for sulcatas of any age or size.

 

[Denali]

Boil? That sounds interesting! I should try that some time.. ah, thanks for your help!

 

[Speedy-1]

I just ignore them , they are harmless !

 

[Yvonne G]

Can we see a picture? If your habitat is outside, it very well might be termites.