White Worms in natural vivarium.

[Saurian]

I have a little white worms in my vivarium tank. They are small, about a inch long and are in the soil. I think they might have came in a plant that I got recentlly. Anybody ever seen these? Harmful? Thanks.

 

[Robbe]

got a picture?

 

[Saurian]

re: white worms

No picture. Look almost like a white transperent small earthworm and almost like a parasitical worm but in the soil moving like a regular earthworm.

 

[gbhil]

Sounds like whiteflies or lacebugs. Common larval pests of ornamentals and garden plants. Search the web to find some pics to be sure. If that what they are (either of the two) remove your gecko(s) for a while and use Safer brand organic pest control soap according to the bottle directions.

 

[Saurian]

re:white worms

Are these animals dangerous to the reptiles/amphibians?

 

[gbhil]

Not directly. (I think) They are vegetarian pests that are intent on destroying your plants. They will grow into very unsightly and nasty flying pests if left unchecked.

 

[josh_r]

nemerteans are very common in the vivarium. they are a small white worm looking creature with a long pointed snout. they eat decomposing matter and insects (dead crickets, etc) they are not harmful to your animals. check this link.

Nemerteans

 

[Nubster]

One great way to kill everything in your tank except your plants is to either get a tank of CO2 or some dry ice and place in the tank and "gas" your tank. All the critters will die and the plants will actually thank you. Make sure it is seal 100% and gas the heck out of it so the CO2 gets all the way through the substrate. Once it is done, unseal the tank and let it air out really well and replace your gecko(s). That way there is zero residue of any kind that can harm your gecko.

 

[josh_r]

the CO2 method does not guarrantee that you will solve the problem completely. often, CO2 gasing only temporarily fixes the problem. the CO2 will not kill the eggs. the eggs are often viable for weeks or even months and your problem with eventually start all over again.