Reptile & Amphibian Forums

After setting up a decent sized stock tank with a dirt substrate, I realized that there were black ants all in it. I know Ants are never good, but is there any way to cycle them out? Or is there any Non-Toxic way of getting rid of them? I really cringe at the idea of having to take all the dirt out, but I will if need be

I recommend doing the dirty and emptying it. I also, recommend replacing your dirt with hardwood chips. You can get a huge bag of it at a Home depot or Lowes.

While setting the cage up and cleaning the first few days squish the ants one at a time. This doesnt take too long as they dont live long without the nest or queen. Seems like a long process but its worth it. Oh, if you want to add leaf litter to the soild go ahead, but avaoid wood chips. Cyprus is the best wood chip to use and they are only a very temporary substrate, like for a few days or so.