Knowledgebase
Using pinecones from Blue Spruce picked in December for indoors #922791
Asked December 10, 2025, 3:54 PM EST
Hi, I picked some pinecones from under our Blue Spruce tree. I brought them inside and was planning to use them to decorate dining tables at a small dinner. Would there be any concerns about bugs, etc in using these?
thanks
Mary
Wayne County Michigan
Expert Response
Thank you for contacting Ask Extension. Yes, there is a reason to be concerned about insects in the pine cones. It is a great place for them to hide during the winter. It is suggested to soak the pine cones in a 1:1 solution of water and white vinegar. Leave in at least 30 minutes, or even overnight if you want to ensure that you killed all the insects. Rinse thoroughly and let dry. During this time, the pine cones will close up. But you can put into an oven set at 200° for an hour, and the pine cones will open again. Then you are set to decorate with them.
Happy Holidays!