Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I'm setting up a cage display for crested geckos and have everything ready except for a couple decorations. My problem is this:

The wood decorations I got (mopani wood and grapevine) have been attacked by some kind of beetle. Bore-holes appeared in the wood and grubs started to come out (at this time I hadn't yet built the lid, so the terrarium was open). I didn't think this was good for my future pets, so I tossed the decorations. Now I'm paranoid about getting other wood stuff.

However, I'm having trouble finding plastic/synnthetic replacements. Everything smells like paint or paint thinner to me. Do I just have an oversensitive nose? Is there a way to get rid of the smell/possible toxins? Or should I just get over my worry about wood pests and go back to wood? Any suggestions?

I'd identify the beetle!

If its a safe insect I'd just keep the wood and let the cresties take care of the infestation, one grub at a time...

As for wood...a lot of people make faux branches using PVC and a torch. Perhaps someone will post a link.

Cheers
-----
Jeremy Payne

"I am become death, the destroyer of worlds" July 16, 1945 Robert Oppenheimer

1.0 Snow "Khal"
0.2 Triple Het Moonglow "Khal"
0.1 Orange Tail Hypo Het Leopard
1.1 Double Het "Sharp" Snow
1.0 Ghost **coming soon**
0.1 Possible Super Hypo
0.1 DH Ghost **coming soon**
1.1 Khal Albino
1.0 Hypomelenistic
1.3 Pastel Hypo
0.1 Suriname/Columbian cross
0.1 Anerthrystic
1.1 Cream Golden Retrieviers
1.0 Pomeriaian
0.3 Catus Terribilis
0.1 Spouse
2.0 Child

Hmmm, hadn't thought of PVC before. I'll have to check that out.

I think it's a powderpost beetle. As far as I know they aren't poisonous, but I'll do some extra research to make sure they won't cause problems.

Thanks for the tips!