jengjohnson Posted October 27, 2009 Share Posted October 27, 2009 My daughter found an empty blown-down bird's nest that she'd like to keep. I'm concerned about the germs or bugs that might be present. Any idea on how to kill the bugs without destroying the nest? I wondered about "baking" it for a while. Thanks! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jean in Newcastle Posted October 27, 2009 Share Posted October 27, 2009 I would be inclined to freeze it instead. Freezing should kill many things. I'd be worried that baking something that flammable might not be a good idea. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tutor Posted October 27, 2009 Share Posted October 27, 2009 We collect pine cones every year to decorate with. We put them in a plastic trash bag in the freezer for 24-48 hours. That kills off the bugs. I would lightly spray the nest with Lysol after freezing just as an extra measure. Just make sure to not get it too wet when spraying it and give it ample time to dry. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mommyof4ks Posted October 27, 2009 Share Posted October 27, 2009 Hmmm...the things I learn on this forum. I honestly never thought about it. We just bring them inside germs, bugs and all I guess, but we have never seen bugs or gotten sick from them. I do set them in the sun for a bit to take away the 'bird' smell. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Laurie4b Posted October 27, 2009 Share Posted October 27, 2009 Hmmm...the things I learn on this forum. I honestly never thought about it. We just bring them inside germs, bugs and all I guess, but we have never seen bugs or gotten sick from them. I do set them in the sun for a bit to take away the 'bird' smell. We did this for years, too! No problems. Never thought to sterilize a bird's nest! I guess I should have! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sleepymommy Posted October 27, 2009 Share Posted October 27, 2009 We collect pine cones every year to decorate with. We put them in a plastic trash bag in the freezer for 24-48 hours. That kills off the bugs. I would lightly spray the nest with Lysol after freezing just as an extra measure. Just make sure to not get it too wet when spraying it and give it ample time to dry. I've never thought to kill the germs/bugs off of pine cones. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
keptwoman Posted October 28, 2009 Share Posted October 28, 2009 Hmmm...the things I learn on this forum. I honestly never thought about it. We just bring them inside germs, bugs and all I guess, but we have never seen bugs or gotten sick from them. I do set them in the sun for a bit to take away the 'bird' smell. :lol: Same here. It would never occur to me to sterilise a birds nest. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
G5052 Posted October 28, 2009 Share Posted October 28, 2009 Bird nests can have fleas, mites, etc. and pine cones can have some kind of grub. I also freeze acorns if my kids want to keep them. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.