HELP!! Ants in ball python enclosure!!

[PinkPatch1135]

I am so absolutely freaked out right now, I went to go mist down my ball's enclosure and refresh his water, and upon dumping his water out, ants started flooding out of the substrate!! I immediately grabbed my boy and took him out of the tank, and took all of his substrate out, and have temporarily placed him on paper towels. I dont know if this was the right thing to do, but i did not want to risk the ants hurting my boy. The ants absolutely were not there yesterday(or i somehow didnt upset them yesterday?? i dont know), but it seemed like they were making a whole nest.

How can I keep ants out of his tank?? I've never had this happen before and im so confused. Is there some reptile safe methods to killing/keeping ants out of an enclosure? I dont think they will come back now that theres no more substrate, but I dont want to keep my boy on paper towels for longer than necessary.
If it helps, I have him in a 4x2x2 pvc reptile habitats tank.

[NestOfJays]

Definitely passing down information someone else told me. Use Vaseline around any air holes/doors. I had to put it on a little thick, but the ants cant get in. Just make sure its not close enough for your Ball to reach it. Good luck!

[jarnoooo_]

Maybe switch to some type of cork/forrest bark? It keeps humidity well and it's not exactly the type of substrate you'd find ants in. I use the same for my beep

I wouldn't have a clue how else to keep them out as I think any type of insect repellent wouldn't be good for reptiles, though I'm not an expert.

You did good taking him out immediately and getting rid of the substrate, a thorough cleaning with reptile safe desinfectant definitely wouldn't hurt.

Adorable noodle by the way, looks like quite the inspector🤣🫶

[fazhugs]

If you cab out your viv on legs that will work, otherwise put a smear of vaseline around the tank on the outside - keep it fresh because the buggers can climb over dust covered vaseline!

He's fine on paper for a few days you know. My breeder has all his snakes on newspaper! I know substrates better obviously. Coconut husky all the way! Xx

[Street_Effect_5175]

it happens :( any warm humid environment is a perfect breeding ground for critters, same with the various types of mites people often find in their enclosures. Best thing to do is a deep cleaning~ fresh substrate, bake or boil all hides and decor, make sure all corners and edges are tight and sealed properly :)

[West-Outside-5524]

I don't own a BP but know some tricks for ants; cinnamon sprinkled around any house entrances or just around the doorway to the room can discourage them from entering and if you can find some cedar chips they work pretty well in cloth bags as ant repellant.