Branches for cages

[ava]

I've seen people using branches in cages for the degus to run about on, which I like the idea of so I'm thinking of collecting some sometime. Only problem is I have a bit of a fear of insects, my fiance has a full-on phobia and I wouldn't have thought Degus would like them in their cage (could be wrong though), so how do you get rid of them? Only way I can think of is to put the branches in water for a bit? I really know nothing about this sort of thing so sorry if this is a stupid question.

[w8152]

If i remember rightly you have to scrub them with warm water then pretty much bake them in the oven

[malteser60]

Some just scrub them and others scrub and bake them in the oven. If you want to be extra cautious and bake them in the oven put the oven on a very low temperature for about half hour or so. Otherwise it's crispy branches!