Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I live in Chalreston SC and I have two Easterns in a 10 X 5 outdoor enclosure. It seems that ants are building their nests in this enclosure also. Does anyone have any advice on getting the ant hills out without poisioning my boxs?

I have killed ants before by pouring boiling hot water on them (of course you would have to remove your turtles first). I would stir up their hill first and maybe poke a hole or two in the mud and then pour it on them. I'm not sure if it would reach down low enought to kill the hole colony, but it probably would. It's the only way I know how to kill them without chemicals.

I haven't set up my box turtle habitat yet, but we are in the process of building one. We are trying to find some young captive bread box turtles. My best friend has some tortoises that I think are boxers that a coworker gave her. They have the hinge on the bottom of them. Are box turtles the only one with hinges to close themselves up? They look like box turtles, but now sure what kind of box turtle. Thanks, Diane

Thanks! Thats a good Idea!
as far as your friends turtles, If you post a picture Im sure these guys and gals on here can tell you everything you could possibly want to know about them. These kingsnake boards are great!

I have heard diatomous earth can safely be used, it kills the ants but won't hurt the turtles. But look it up first as I'm not completely sure. Boiling water works somewhat, usually it doesn't get down all the way to kill off the entire colony.

Diatomaceous earth is very effective, but you need to re-apply after rain/irrigation as it has a tendency to wash away. Also because it is a very fine dust, be aware that it's an irritant if inhaled.

make sure the DE is food grade, not pool grade.

what is diatomaceous earth

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My Site
1.2.1 Terrapene Carolina Triunguis
0.1 Nymphicus hollandicus
1.1 Melopsittacus undulatus
1.0 American Cocker Spaniels
1.0 American Short Hair? Cat
1.1 Rouen Ducks

Now I'm getting curious. Have you tried anything yet? Are the ants still there?
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PHRatz

Pour hot soapy water on them and it'll kill them, drown them and get rid of them. Use lemon scented dishsoap for the best results.

By using the soap, it will break up to surface tension and allow the water to better absorb into the ant nest therefore killing more.

The lemon scent is a natural pest deterent.

I should not hurt your turtles and actually they'll probably stay away from that spot for awhile.