I'm wondering whether cutting boards should be sterilized to eliminate any termites or bugs potentially hidden in the wood fibers before using them. What methods are safe and effective for this? I know I can't just use termite chemicals because that could make the wood toxic for food prep. Could using heat be a good alternative to get rid of the pests? I'd appreciate any advice on this!
1 Answer
It's best to address this before you start working with the wood, as it might warp if you try to sterilize it afterward. One method is to place it in the oven to bake out any bugs. Just check the kiln drying temperatures and times to get it right!
What kind of oven should I use for it? My microwave doesn't fit the board, can I use a space heater instead?
Could something like bleach, vinegar, or a hydrogen peroxide solution work for this too?