Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi, I was just wondering if anyone had any input on this. I just noticed little tiny bugs in my redfoot enclosure. They look like little flies, and they're crawling all over the substrate. I am using a mixture of topsoil, sphagnum moss, and cypress mulch for my substrate, and I mist it several times a day, but I keep it clean and remove any uneaten food every day. Has anyone else had something like this, and do you know if its dangerous for my redfoot? Any input would be great. Thanks.

I had the same problem with Cypress mulch in my enclosure. I don't know that there is any risk with the little bugs unless they can carry bacteria or other things, and spread them to the tortoise or to you.

I switched to a substrate made by.. All Things Living, called Reptile Bark... It is Fir bark. This product seems to hold the moisture much better for my Mountain Tortoise. I recently added a fresh bag of Cypress mulch back into his enclosure and the bugs came right back. I'm going to try a mixture of the two next with less Cypress and see if that works better.

My biggest concern with the Fir bark is that coniferous trees contain turpentine, and that can be unhealthy without good air flow. My reason for adding the Cypress back in, is that it seems much easier for the tortoise to walk around on.

-Kory

i switched to fir bark also, and i have had no problems with bugs since. I'm not sure if i think the fir absorbs moisture as well as the cypress though. and redfoots need humidity, but i've just been spraying the tank a couple times a day and she seems to be fine. if you find another substrate that works well for you, let me know!
thanks!

What brand of cypress mulch were you guys using?