treating dirt question?

[ranger]

I read the exhibit manuals they say to always treat your dirt with a insect strip or liquid bacterialcid,  however when i look at forum posts noone ever mentions that they just say find some dirt and go to work.  does this need to be treated and what is the best products for doing it, anything at home or local that might work like lyson as a bacterialcid? any help would be appreciatied thanks.

[James Marsico]

First off I always use potting soil bought from a store, that alone will solve 99% of a future bug problems. Outside dirt is full of other stuff and bugs besides dirt.  I have also added powdered SEVIN which is a great bug killer into hooves and under dirt (potting soil) on large lifesize mounts. You can buy it at nurseries.

[J P Baker]

 Always treat the dirt, plants, wood and any other items you put in a base.

[javelinstorm]

mix a borax, as much as you can without changing the color, into it
 and spray heavily with lysol

[Sikk]

best way to treat soil is to bake it at least 180 degrees for at least 1/2 hour, this should kill most bacteria, fungi, and insects, If you can't bake , steam will work also. My grandpa used to steam the soil tomato beds in his greenhouse between every crop. paul