Pine cones can be put into the microwave and heated on low temperature. Cones that have not opened will open up. They will be an undamaged specimen for craft projects. While doing this you will experience another benefit, free room freshener.
Pinecones, acorns, and seedpods are great in holiday decor, but they sometimes house little insects or larvae.
Before using any natural stuff like pinecones or seed pods you have gathered in holiday decor, line a shallow pan with foil and put them into the oven at 200 degrees for about 45 minutes. This will kill any insects living inside. You don't want uninvited guests crawling onto your holiday table.
If you plan to use pine cones for crafts or home decorations you will want to remove any bugs that are hiding out inside. This is a page about how to remove bugs from pine cones in the microwave.
Whenever you bring any natural stuff like pine cones or twigs into the house to use as decor, put them on a foil lined baking sheet in the oven at 200-250 degrees for 30 minutes to kill any hitchhiking insects.
I purchased a large grapevine branch to use in my home for decoration. I am concerned of bringing any pests into house. What should I spray the branches with to make sure no bugs.
By Marian
