Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hey everyone i was wondering wat different methods you all use to sterilize wood that u collect outside the pet store. Please respond with the steps that you take.

Thanks a bunch
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Pink is a manly color

www.lizardaction.com

lol

It is often difficult to clean or sterilize wood, especially if it is covered with algae. Leaving wood specimens out in the sun for 3 to 5 days is often helpful (A tooth brush will do a fine job, when cleaning the edges.)

Another method is "solarizing." Once dry, place your specimens in a clear plastic bag and leave them in direct sunlight for 5 to 7 days. The intense heat generated will "solar sterilize" them.

Rocks can be placed in a solution of bleach water. One ounce of bleach in a gallon of water is usually sufficient to clean any hard, non-porous surface.

For wood Mix 5 percent bleach to 95 percent water. Wash the wood thoroughly in this solution. Rinse wood well with water to remove any bleach. Repeat this three times to make sure all bacteria, insects, and eggs are killed off.

Preheat oven to 250 degrees F. Bake it in the oven for 20 minutes. This will kill the remaining eggs and parasites.

I hope it was helpful for you.
Your friend Gabriel

PS- Pink ain't no manly color