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Pebbles82 · 09-03-2021, 12:21 PM

I think it depends on the type of wood. Smooth wood things like shelves or houses, if painted with plastikote, can just be sprayed with pet disinfectant. It’s the rough bark wood items that are difficult to disinfect and yes baking is probably the only way to ensure any bugs are dead as the bark has such tiny crevices. After that, leaving them outside in sunshine and fresh air for a couple of days (when it’s not raining) helps naturally clean and remove any scents of the previous hamster.

Even with all that, the same items shouldn’t be used for at least 2 or 3 weeks after a hamster has died of an infectious disease (the same with a cage even if disinfected) or even in the same room for two or three weeks. To be in the safe side.

Personally, if it’s just a couple of bendy bridges, I tend to replace them. A lot less hassle and they’re not expensive items.

09-03-2021, 12:21 PM
Pebbles82 Hamster Antics Join Date: Sep 2014 Posts: 23,533	Re: reusing wooden toys after death I think it depends on the type of wood. Smooth wood things like shelves or houses, if painted with plastikote, can just be sprayed with pet disinfectant. It’s the rough bark wood items that are difficult to disinfect and yes baking is probably the only way to ensure any bugs are dead as the bark has such tiny crevices. After that, leaving them outside in sunshine and fresh air for a couple of days (when it’s not raining) helps naturally clean and remove any scents of the previous hamster. Even with all that, the same items shouldn’t be used for at least 2 or 3 weeks after a hamster has died of an infectious disease (the same with a cage even if disinfected) or even in the same room for two or three weeks. To be in the safe side. Personally, if it’s just a couple of bendy bridges, I tend to replace them. A lot less hassle and they’re not expensive items.