Best way to disinfect items (branches, rocks, etc.) from outsitde

Today I got an excellent branch from outside to use for my 40g enclosure that will soon have a Bearded Dragon in it. So, today my friend and I went outside to find this branch, and got it off of a tree. We went to his house (he's my neighbor) and his dad helped cut off a lot of the branch. Now, all I need to do it disinfect it, but it's kinda large so I don't have one clue on how to put it in the stove...

I can get some pictures if you'd like to know the size of it. Also, right now I'm going to go scrub it down with antibacterial soap, then I'm going to try to find a way to disinfect it even more. I was thinking about boiling water on the stove (at 300F) and dumping the water in a bath tub, putting in a cup or two of bleach, and sticking the stick in the tub for about an hour and a half. Would this work, or should I try something else? I'm open for ANY suggestions:D

I already tried looking up other threads on this topic but found nothing. No one seems to know anything on this topic, so far?

:tears:

What type of tree? Does it have the bark on it still? What are the approximate measurements? Is it a thick, or thin branch?

Might help a little more.

*dr evil* liiiiquid maaaagmaaa


seriously though, I'm not 100% sure. I have heard of people drying out wood in an oven as a means of making it useable in an enclosure, or it might carry nasties, or just get moldy. You don't want that. Knowing your age though, make sure you research the proper method for that, and ask the parents before you go sticking the appletree in your moms oven! :colbert:


As for the superhot water in a bathtub...clear that with your parents too, lol...um..that could do damage, especially if its a ceramic tub. *SHATTER!*

I'm not much help, am I....:weirdface

you can clean rocks with water and soap, then bleach for good measure.

Driftwood is best dried out via oven @ 220 degrees, also kills bacteria and bugs.

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Originally Posted by Fallguy

What type of tree? Does it have the bark on it still? What are the approximate measurements? Is it a thick, or thin branch?

Might help a little more.

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Not sure what type of tree I got it off of, but it doesn't have any bark on it, and it is grey. It's thick, not thin or breakable AT ALL.. trust me.. I tried breaking some of it (even the thin parts) and it was a pretty tough branch.

Here are some pictures:

http://i609.photobucket.com/albums/t...z/DSCI0005.jpg
http://i609.photobucket.com/albums/t...z/DSCI0006.jpg

Oh by the way that last picture was me holding it up, not holding it in my palm on the ground, which it kinda looks like I'm doing.

Its a Mesquite branch, you could just freeze it since it doesnt get that cold here and the parasites/bugs wouldnt be able to live a deep freeze

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Originally Posted by Kuba

Its a Mesquite branch, you could just freeze it since it doesnt get that cold here and the parasites/bugs wouldnt be able to live a deep freeze

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I didn't even think about that, great idea!
Have you tried this method before, or heard a successful story on this method? I would really like to know since I'm not too sure about it, though it seems like a great idea.

I did it for my bp, and my bearded dragon, and my banded geckos and it works perfectly but i wouldnt try it in some of the places were it wight get past freezing and the parasites might be able to survive

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Kuba

I did it for my bp, and my bearded dragon, and my banded geckos and it works perfectly but i wouldnt try it in some of the places were it wight get past freezing and the parasites might be able to survive

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My freezer stays pretty damn cold, so most likely nothing will survive on it. I have yet to scrub it, I've been lazy and just on the forum LOL.. and YouTube... Anywho, have you tried this method with the same branch I have? Just wondering:D

Also, should I just leave the branch in over night?