Baking branches works great, like xdeus said. I have several branches i got from outside, they are sturdier, and there is a better selection than those for sale in stores....if you are lookin for that branch with a "perfect fit" for your snakes cage. What i usually do is bake the branches first, then give them a provent-a-mite treatment.....I have never had a problem and my snakes love their branches. You also might consider getting some "cage furniture" at a local reptile show, as they also have mots more selection and better prices than the store.....yes it is ridiculous what they charge in stores for wood.