blood worms in turtle tank

Question
Hi Karen,
Could you please tell me where the infestation of red blood
worms come from that are in my turtle tank.  They came
about this same time last year.  I think they hatched into
something that looked like a mosquito.  My turtle just
coincidently became ill, not eating, took to vet, and he is
on antibiotics now.  Are these worms internal or were they
hatched there from an external source.  Thanks a lot.
Sharon Segal  (last year i took a worm to the vet and they
sent it to a lab.  I forgot the scientific name, but they
said it was a blood worm.)

Answer
Hi Sharon,
What did the vets say about the worms? Any info about them?

Bloodworms are the larvae of chironomid midges -- a gnat like creature.

And I bet that an adult midge got into the house and decided to lay eggs in your aquarium. Have you thought about putting in some fish to eat the worms? Fish aren't the best idea with turtles I know but perhaps several inexpensive feeder fish would be just fine to help rid the aquarium of the worms.

Otherwise, try doing water changes and using a gravel vacuum to siphon up the worms.

I hope this helps!
Karen~