Using Pine Cones For Holiday Decorations? Make Sure They Are Pest-Free!

Using pine cones to create holiday decorations and crafts is a perfect way to portray the delicate elegance of nature while symbolizing the charm of the winter season. Of course, their beauty is sometimes sullied by a host of insects that may have found winter lodging inside the scales. Read the following tips for eliminating pests from pine cones before you begin decorating with them:

Bake Pine Cones To Kill Pests

Baking your pine cones in the oven can exterminate any unwanted pests hiding in your decorative materials. Place the pine cones on a baking sheet that has been lined with aluminum foil. Once the oven temperature reaches 225 degrees Fahrenheit, bake the pine cones for approximately 30 minutes. Note that closed pine cones may need to bake longer, and the baking duration may vary depending on the size or moisture content of the pine cone. Extra large cones may require a few hours in the oven. The heat and water evaporation will cause the cones to open up gradually, so inspect their progress periodically. Most likely, the pine cones will be safe to remove once they’ve fully opened, but it won’t hurt to bake them a little longer just to ensure that insects, spiders, and mold are completely terminated. Lastly, be sure to let the cones cool down before using them to make decorations.

Soak Pine Cones In Water And Vinegar

Dipping your pine cones in warm water mixed with vinegar can prove to be an excellent solution for ridding them of annoying insects. Mix two parts water with one part white vinegar and fully submerge pine cones for approximately 30 minutes. Since pine cones typically float, you may need to find a clever way to weigh them down so that they remain completely covered for the whole duration. Consider placing a large dinner plate on top of the cones to keep them pinned down, or soak them in a large, sealable container. For larger quantities of pine cones, fill your kitchen sink with warm water to about 60 percent capacity, then add the vinegar. Be sure to let the cones dry completely before beginning your project.

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