Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I am curious about large logs, branches...etc. used in large enclosures. Whith my young monitors, I usually go and find some small branches, cut them off and heat them 400deg for about 20-25min in my oven to kill any pests, ants...ect. How do you all with large set ups clean these LARGE props that don't conveiniently fit inside your kitchen oven?

Thanks to all in advance,
Tim

1) Hose it off outside

2) Do nothing, put in enclosure

--Robert

waterdragon's branches but for my nile i didn't do anything.

np

use the pressure sprayer. It usually gets all external grit off.

I put branches and stuff into my bathtub
shower it with hot water while filling the tub,
then leave the wood under the hot water for an hour or so
never had any problems.

gr

hugo

For my other lizards I used to hose the stuff off and soak it for an hour or so in some hot water with a small amount of bleach in it...then hose it off real well and put it in the oven for 20 min

I would reccomend using amonia to disinfect. It kills cryptospordidiosis, as bleach wont. I also treat tanks that have housed turtles this way.
If it just stuff you found outside, I wouldnt be too concerned. A good hoseing would suffice.

put them out in direct sun in an open area for a couple of days. That usually kills off or scares off most of the insects hiding in them.

Anything still in them after that I don't worry about.