I've only been a forum reader in the past but I'm in desparate need of some advice. I just received my latest shipment from CBid and was placing the sticks in the bottom of my dor when I noticed a very tiny bug coming out from under my humidifier. I then removed and inspected all the remaining cigars but could find no damage whatsoever to any of them but I did see several more pin head size bugs in the vicinity of the humidifier. I've seperated all the cigars and don't know what steps to take next? Are they tobacco beetles, are the old cigars ruined or can they be treated, what do I do about the humidor. Thanks for any advice

What did the bug(s) look like?

backie beatles are about the size of the head of a pin. Nasty little ravenous insects...

settle10

i suggest you call cbid customer service at (800) 830-4590.



i don't know what the shipping xharges are for bugs. if it is like a 5 pack it would be 50 cents, however if cbid considers it a sample, the shipping would be $1.00

Let me clarify, I don't believe the bugs came from my Cbid shipment but I noticed them when I was placing my latest shipment in my humidor.

Okay - Now that I think I understand do this:

Pack up "ALL" of your Cigars put them into freezer bags and then the cigars into the freezer for 2 to three days. Then remove the cigars from the freezer and put them in the refrigerator for a day or two to slowly bring them back to room temperature. After that put the cigar into your humidor.

This will kill and beetles and their eggs that may be on the other cigars.

Some people recommend washing the humidor out with a solution. I don't...

Let us know what happens!

Regards,


B

Thanks for the input and I'll follow your suggestions concerning the cigars but I'm still concerned that some of the critters may be in the crevices of my humidor waiting for me to restock it.

Thanks,

After taking them out of the fridge, I usually let them sit in a temperature controlled room for a day or so prior to putting them back in the humidor. Just make sure they are away from any heating or cooling devices, and out of direct sunlight.

Oh, and when you do put them back in the humidor, it may be a good idea to put them in the furthest spot from the humidification element, to assure that they slowly regain moisture. You can move them closer after a week or so if you like.

If your humidor is Spanish cedar lined, you should be fine. Just clean it out with a damp rag or even a vacuum. They can't eat through the Spanish cedar, which is one reason why that wood is commonly used to store cigars.

Yep, what Steve said - A thorough clean up, using a vacuum cleaner to get into the cracks and crevices will take care of any residual. I still don't recommend any solution inside the humi.

Regards,



B

Thanks for everyones help, I knew I was asking the right crowd.

Before you go...

Put some cedar strips in the humi to absorb extra moisture.

We should also address the problem that caused the beetle(s) to hatch.

Your humidor was probably too moist or too hot. Make sure the box is not in direct sunlight, and check your humidification system.

Are you using a digital hygrometer? Invest in a high-quality device and a quality humidor.

Your cigars are worth it. Just my .02 cents!

Regards,



B

All the advice given regarding freezing and slowly defrosting is excellent. Be certain, however, your freezer is set to the maximum freeze setting and it is not a frost free model. Most residential freezers will not kill tobacco beetles unless they are set at maximum freeze for a couple of days. The beetles are extremely resiliant. The defrost/frost free cycle in the middle of the freeze cycle may allow some to survive.

I know that the temperature is right and they are not in direct sunlight but I have never confirmed the hygometer works properly, I'll make sure and change that situation.

I also rechecked all the cigars and could find no damage but the bugs were definetly in there when I vacuumed out the humidor. Small with an even smaller head, almost termite like but very small.

Thanks

Termites look like ants, long and skinie, backie beatles look rounder and flater.

this is some pretty interesting reading and good info. I have a question. Settle10 said he noticed some of the bugs around his humidification device. Would you guys recommend also doing a deep freeze on his humidifier? Or will the bugs not usually go into one?

I'm just curious in case I should ever (perish the thought) have a similar experience.

anyone read the article on microwaving on CI?

http://www.cigarsinternational.com/html/cig101_14ymt.asp 

I'm not about to start microwaving my cigars, but now I'm wondering if freezing does any good at all....

Although these bugs were very small they had more length to them than width, not necessarily round. Like a termite with a much larger rear than head and light brown or tan in color.

Thanks,

P.S. - I checked my hygometer against a digital one and it was right on.

smithbw,

Interested in your statement, "too moist or too hot." I realize elevated temperature (80 degrees plus is what's usually quoted) certainly increases the potential for beetles to hatch. Had not heard about hatching relative to moisture? Or do you mean the combination of temp/moisture, i.e., will moisture alone increase probability of hatching, even at lower temperatures?

settle10,
I am strongly suspicious what you have may not be tobacco beetles. First, you have no damaged cigars. If that is the case, where did the beetles come from? The only way I know the little b@stards can get there is to bore out of a cigar.

Second, your description of the bug does not sound to me like a tobacco beetle. As stated earlier, they are more of a round shape and light brown in color. There are some good web sites that show pictures for identification purposes. I don't have a web address right off hand, but I'm sure a search will turn up numerous material.

Hope I am right.

Keep Smokin' (]]]]]]]]]]]~~~