Prepping wood items

[ConcinusMan]

Yeah but I don't use a microwave (and these would be too big for most microwave ovens anyways).

Any ideas on "best practices" or maybe "don'ts" regarding binding/securing them are appreciated, I am creating a basking spot and don't want them falling over. I know tape is bad.

Then soak them in scalding water, then follow up with the suggestion that Steve gave you. I can't suggest any "binding" or "securing" methods. I only use wood pieces in such a way as to not require any binding or securing and I've only used sun-bleached, naturally cured wood. (river/creek drift wood)

[guidofatherof5]

My problem of prepping large wood item is over.
I will simply spray them with Provent-A-Mite.
Problem solved. No bugs will survive.

[Stefan-A]

What about bacteria, viruses, fungi and protozoa?

[katach]

We put ours in the dishwasher on pots and pans setting three times (no soap). Then put them in an over for a little while to dry them.

[dieselbaby]

what bout putting it in a deep freeze. or a big plastic bag and some car exhaust that should kill anything lol or what bout a bonfire and heating rocks get the wood wet and place on really hot rocks, would possibly boil out the nasties. i know you dont want to soak but what about a 45 gallon drum filled with water and heated from the bottom to boil the water then place the objects inside. ummmmm picking my brain......what about a natural bug repellent like crysanthimum oil or similar. wrap in tinfoil and bake in a bonfire, thats all i can think of right now lol

[dieselbaby]

i guess i should have read to the end lol

[Tlaka]

I think the UV lamp is a goooood idea a powerful one use to sterilize lab material or water, dont worry about penetration, we use it in the lab for a lot of things, and also remember the proper temp to sterilize is 115°C for 15 minutes or 25 lb/ft^2 of pressure for 15 minutes, there are some mite-off products that are not dangerous and you can apply them directly to the enclosure or animal, the one i know is called reptilian clean and hygiene.

[ConcinusMan]

That's what I was saying about choosing wood. If I collect wood from outside, I use heavy hardwood pieces that have been well bleached in the sun for years, and show no signs of holes (bug infestations) or rot. Never had any problems. The UV from the sun is a powerful sterilizer.