How to make wood safe for reptile use?

[PetertheGecko]

I found some nice wood outside that I would like to use in my tank? Any way of making it safe?

 

[Olympus]

I use only fresh branches for my chameleon cages and I don't do anything to them if I cut them live from a tree. If they are on the ground I don't use them, because that usually means that the branch died and fell off, and is therefore usually brittle, riddled with holes, probably inhabited by bugs, etc. However, if you think the piece of wood you found is in good shape you can either soak it in water with a bit of bleach for an hour, rinse, and then let air dry, or bake at 350* for 15-30 minutes.

That's more than enough to kill off things like mites, ants, etc. that may be living in the wood.