Help, ball python trying to escape

[Erie_herps]

I don't think "sterilizing" would remove pesticides at all- if there's ANY chance that decor (branches etc) from outside contains any pesticides, DO NOT USE THEM.

Also, while baking (etc) will kill most pests in the wood, it won't stop mold from growing later on. Mold spores are floating around most everywhere, just looking for a home.

Boiling usually removes some/most pesticides but I agree, if pesticides are known to have been used in the area natural items should not be used. Sterilizing would likely increase the chance that it would mold later because there's nothing eating spores or stopping the mold from growing.