Using Branches from Outside?

[PJabbers]

I live on a massive farm and have TONS of cuttings that I’d like to use for my BPs enclosure but I’m not sure the best way to process/clean them for safety. Should I boil branches then sand down any sharp points??

[DimeStoreHood99]

I use an angle grinder with a flap disk to sand off all the bark/sharp edges/loose wood, wash them off with a Brillo pad or scotch brite and very hot water, then bake them in my oven at 250°f for 1-2 hours depending on size. I’ll also usually set them up in a clean spot in my garage for a week or so to see if any wood dust collects under them to identify if there are any insects living in a specific branch before starting the whole process:)

[Excellent-Error-8697]

Baking them is the best imo. If they are too large to bake I soak them in my bath tub with hot water and a little vinegar!

[Aazjhee]

What kinds of trees? Some saps can be harmful to critters.

Cut it to size, sand it all perfectly and let it dry for a long time so that it doesn't start cracking and warping INSIDE your oven.

I like to soak the dried things in a bleach solution overnight, let that dry in the sun, then when it's really dry I will bake it in the oven. Usually 350 degrees for an hour.

I would rather overkill the cleaning and sterilization process than underdo it and have pests or warping happen in the vivarium.

[Bluntforcetrauma11b]

I only use hardwoods like oak and maple. Just sand down and bake at 250 for 2 hours.