How long should I quarantine a shipment?

[cuppajack]

I just received a shipment of cigars from TNT, and they were very warm when I opened the boxes (which is to be expected coming from Arizona via UPS.)

I’m a bit paranoid about the beetles this time of year, and was wondering how long I should keep these sticks in a “quarantine” area?

Assuming the heat “activated” any beetle eggs, how long before signs of larval growth appear?

 

[Tapewormboy]

I like to keep new shipments separate after I receive them, especially Cubans. Generally, I separate for 2-3 weeks and watch them very very closely. The numbers vary, but supposed the eggs will hatch within 2 weeks after "activation."

 

[Ginseng]

Here's an interesting little page about the buggers.

Enemies of Tobacco

Keep in mind that the larval stage is when all the damage is done. So, I'd say quarantine for a week. Do the foot tap test on each stick. If clear, then store for another week and repeat. Do this for a month. If nothing has hatched in that time, you are probably going to be ok. The foot test is done by gently tapping the open foot of the cigar on a sheet of white paper. If tiny, rice-shaped dark pepper grains fall out, you have an active beetle larval infestation.

Assuming that you have larvae instead of just inactive eggs, you can also do the freeze technique. Wrap box in plastic and foil. 1 day in the veggie compartment of your fridge. 4 days in the freezer set at maximum coldness. 1 day in the veggie. Half day in a cool room. Unwrap, put in humi.

Wilkey

 

[CoventryCat86]

Start smoking them. In two weeks they should be gone. :laugh:

 

[Darth Solaris]

Start smoking them. In two weeks they should be gone. :laugh:

That sounds like something I'd do :laugh:

 

[Shooter]

What cigars are they? Some makers freeze them so no worry of beetles.

 

[cuppajack]

El Rey Del Mundo "Cafe Au Laits" and Padron 2Ks.