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Post by pooky on Oct 25, 2005 19:28:22 GMT -8
quick question: how long do i need to freeze branches and twigs to kill all the bugs?
thanks,
pooky
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Post by Ritzie/Admin on Oct 26, 2005 4:34:15 GMT -8
That depends on how big the branches are. The whole branch (including the inside) must have been frozen for a while. So at least a day I would say, sometimes longer.
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Post by shrimply on Oct 26, 2005 7:18:25 GMT -8
I put anything from outside I wish use for my gerbils in the oven for about an hour to kill everything. It is also possible to boil or microwave them. Both are very good at killing the bugs and quicker than freezing.
It really depends on the shape and size of the wood which method you use.
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Post by sandy on Oct 26, 2005 8:56:44 GMT -8
I'd be careful about picking up branches now to freeze because as the weather cools the insects are going dormant naturally and can "wake up" when you least expect it! If you think about it, they survive through the cold winters and some of us live in places where outside temperatures drop way below the temp of our freezers. Microwaving seems not a bad option, but don't set yours on fire accidentally!
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Post by pooky on Oct 26, 2005 14:14:37 GMT -8
i dont have a microwave, so i might try that boiling idea. i think i can find a pot big enough, and that shouldnt take to long. or maybe the oven idea would be easier. what do you think would work better?
EDIT: i also have some pottery that came from outside. is it worth trying to boil or put that in the oven, or will that just crack it?
thanks
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Post by Ritzie/Admin on Oct 27, 2005 1:34:12 GMT -8
True, some insects living in the northern hemisphere can survive freezing, although I'm not sure how long on how low temperatures. To be sure micro wave or boiling might be a good option.
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Post by pooky on Oct 27, 2005 14:01:31 GMT -8
i think im gonna go ahead with the boiling of the twigs. any thoughts on how long i should boil them for?
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Post by Ritzie/Admin on Oct 27, 2005 14:19:40 GMT -8
No, I could not tell you a certain time. Do it for a while (halve hour  ) so that the whole branch/twig has been boiled, including the inside. Better too long than too short!  |
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Post by pooky on Oct 27, 2005 16:44:39 GMT -8
good point they are not really that thick, so i will go for about half an hour. well, maybe a little more, just to be on the safe side. thanks EDIT: now that ive boiled them, do i need to keep them somewhere safe to prevent bugs, or can i just leave them by my aquariums? EDIT AGAIN: just to confirm, are decorative crabapple trees included in the safe fruit trees for gerbils? |
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) so that the whole branch/twig has been boiled, including the inside. Better too long than too short! 