[Ozric Jonathan]

Hi Poppy. Yes they are totally horrible aren't they? I've had them a couple of times and found it really worrying.

I haven't tried the limestone flour - that sounds good.

But I have used the boiling water method. Remove all tortoises obviously. Pour on large amounts of boiling hot water. Repeat treatment will likely be required because ants like warm and dry conditions for nesting. If eggs have been laid you may need to keep attacking. I have seen ants carrying eggs away from the nest when I've been attacking it.

To be honest I found this quite hard to do! But there is no option. Personally I wouldn't use any chemicals anywhere near the tortoises.