Debugging Pine Cones in the Microwave?

poehere
Bronze Post Medal for All Time! 105 Posts

November 2, 20171 found this helpful

I know they have videos about debugging pine cones on YouTube. However, I have never used a microwave before to do this.

I find it is better to dry out and debug your pine cones in your oven. I know this process isn't exact because I can't tell you the exact time it will take to debug and dry the pine cones. Most of this depends on how wet the pine cones are when you're starting the process.

1. You will need a few cookie sheets to do this. Line your cookie sheet with aluminum foil.
2. Space your pine cones out. Leave room for them to open up and expand during this process.
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3. Set your oven to 300 degrees.
4. Before putting the cookie sheet in the oven, place a second piece of foil on top of the cookie sheet and seal it around the edges.
5. Start baking your pine cones and checking them every 30 minutes. You will be looking for them to dry out, expand, and start to open up.
6. Once you see the pine cones opening up it is time to remove your foil from the top of the cookie sheet.
7. Continue to cook the pine cones until they open fully.
8. During the process, the tiny bugs that live in the pine cones will be baked and killed.

I would suggest using this method and not the microwave method. I feel this is safer to use and does a better job.

Amber E.

November 4, 20171 found this helpful

If you only have a few put them in there for a minute at a time, but you need to keep an eye on them to make sure they dont burn. Alternatively, if you have several you can put them on an aluminum foil lined cookie and bake them in the oven at 200 degrees for about an hour or so but like the microwave method be sure to keep an eye on them.

sandyj0347

November 5, 20170 found this helpful

Thank you got the information. It is very helpful. I have a lot to do, so I will do them in the oven.

 

Judy
Gold Post Medal for All Time! 677 Posts

November 3, 20171 found this helpful

Debugging pine cones

Step 1
Line microwave with paper towels

Step 2
Microwave 1 minute

Step 3
Check to see bug is dead

Step 4
Keep microwaving at 1 minute intervals, making sure cone doesnt dry out

sandyj0347

November 4, 20170 found this helpful

Thank you for the information. What power setting do you use for the microwave?

 

coville123
Silver Post Medal for All Time! 433 Posts

November 3, 20171 found this helpful

De bugging pine cones.

Step 1
You should first soak them in vinegar and water to get rid of bugs.

Step 2
If you only have a few put in microwave only three at a tine.

Step 3
One minute increments until they dry.

Step 4
If you have a lot do in the oven.