do i need to sterilize branches?

[Damicofam6]

Is it still necessary to sterilize branches that are out in the cold? I don't think there would be any bugs in them because everything is frozen. I sterilized the branches in my current cage by soaking them and then baking them but these sticks are too long to fit in the oven for my new cage.

 

[JohnR]

I'm no expert by any means, but I would think that you would still need to sterilize. Even though it's cold out, the bugs go into hibernation and once you introduce the stick into a warm environment I would think that they would emerge.

But that's just my opinion.

 

[Crashbandit05]

Better safe than sorry, I'd clean them just to be safe.

 

[jpowell86]

Is it still necessary to sterilize branches that are out in the cold? I don't think there would be any bugs in them because everything is frozen. I sterilized the branches in my current cage by soaking them and then baking them but these sticks are too long to fit in the oven for my new cage.

It really depends on what you are collecting when going out. If you are going out and finding a good hard wood tree and taking limbs directly from the tree, then it is not so terrible. This is the only method I prefer. If it has already fallen and you can see signs of insect involvement, I would toss it.

I am very careful about what branches I select and I rarely go through a sterilization process. When I have been uneasy about one, I throw it in the oven at 250 degrees for about 40 minutes. This will ensure everything that could be within the wood is terminated. Some prefer bleaching methods or boiling methods.... but I am also a fan of leaving the bark on, so naturally boiling and bleaching is not going to agree with the look I try to achieve in my enclosures. I would rather put effort in to finding a good clean specimen than trying to sterilize easy finds. IMO!!

 

[Damicofam6]

i decided to cut the sticks down to fit in the oven and ill just have to figure out a way to configure them because i have smaller branches now. thanks everyone

 

[gotwqqd]

I'm no expert by any means, but I would think that you would still need to sterilize. Even though it's cold out, the bugs go into hibernation and once you introduce the stick into a warm environment I would think that they would emerge.

But that's just my opinion.

This.....
Many insects can freeze and not die.

Baking would probably be best way... I think a bleach bath would possible not get critters burrowed inside, especially if they are dormant.
Bleach for fungi, bacteria, molds
Heat to kill bugs

 

[MSMorgan]

This.....
Many insects can freeze and not die.

Baking would probably be best way... I think a bleach bath would possible not get critters burrowed inside, especially if they are dormant.
Bleach for fungi, bacteria, molds
Heat to kill bugs

Wouldn't the heat kill the fungi, bacteria, mold an the bugs?

 

[JGuinan007]

I think it's all preference, some people sterilize (I am one) some people don't. I like the the look of bleached debarked wood and like to know I'm not bringing in any organisms that could harm my pet. Some people just use a little soap and leave bark on. Recently we had this discussion here Sterilizing tree branches | Chameleon Forums