My first beetle infestation

[CigarStone]

I noticed a La Aurora Robusto with an odd spot, upon closer investigation it turned out to be a beetle hole and then found several more and plenty of beetle poop.

The box it came from doesn't show any other signs, do I need to check my entire coolerdor?

 

[uptown_isy]

Absolutely....you can never be too careful when you have an outbreak.

 

[DesertRat]

I found one stick with a beetle hole in and and upon inspecting the rest of my stash I actually found a beetle crawling on an Opus. I immediately took all my sticks and vacuum packed them (I didn't have but maybe 50-60 sticks at the time) and stuck them in my deep freeze for a week. I then bought a Vinotemp and all my sticks are now in the Vino at 62 degrees so I should never have a beetle problem again.

Some people don't agree with the freezing but it seemed to me the only way to be certain the beetles were eliminated. I vacuum packed them to avoid condensation and ice crystals from forming during the freeze.

 

[khari]

Absolutely....you can never be too careful when you have an outbreak.

...Some people don't agree with the freezing but it seemed to me the only way to be certain the beetles were eliminated...

My thoughts exactly.

 

[souldog]

I have to agree with Dan's advice. As far as my humi's, I regularly clean out and wipe down my humidors/coolers monthly. I also examine each stick.

It may take two hours, but it's well worth sleeping sound at night...


Sorry to hear of this unfortunate event.

 

[Fia]

I always feel it is better to err on the side of caution. I have hit with an infestation twice and it really sucks when you lose some good cigars.

 

[CigarStone]

So far so good!

This is a time consuming process but it allowed me to fondle my cigars and it put a few cigars in my hands which are now on my bucket list

My basement is pretty good (I think) it stays about 63-65 degrees and all my coolerdors are at either 60% or 65%

 

[Hylan85]

Considering the temperature of your basement, what do you think caused the eggs to hatch? I was under the impression that the temp needed to be 80 degrees or greater to cause that to happen.

Further, I'd like to extend my condolences, I told my fiance about this thread and she was nearly as nauseous as I was at the thought of almost losing a collection. I aspire to have a collection worth worrying about in the near future.

 

[CigarStone]

Considering the temperature of your basement, what do you think caused the eggs to hatch? I was under the impression that the temp needed to be 80 degrees or greater to cause that to happen.

Further, I'd like to extend my condolences, I told my fiance about this thread and she was nearly as nauseous as I was at the thought of almost losing a collection. I aspire to have a collection worth worrying about in the near future.

I guess it's probable that the cigar was eaten prior to me getting them, I should have dissected it and verified the status of the beetle I guess.

Maybe someone with more experience can tell me a couple things:
1. Is it normal for the damage to be confined to one cigar in one box?
2. Is it possible the damage was done when I got the box and my temp and humidity killed the little bastard?
3. At what point in a cigar's life does a beetle take up residence?

 

[DePasta]

Considering the temperature of your basement, what do you think caused the eggs to hatch? I was under the impression that the temp needed to be 80 degrees or greater to cause that to happen.

Further, I'd like to extend my condolences, I told my fiance about this thread and she was nearly as nauseous as I was at the thought of almost losing a collection. I aspire to have a collection worth worrying about in the near future.

I guess it's probable that the cigar was eaten prior to me getting them, I should have dissected it and verified the status of the beetle I guess.

Maybe someone with more experience can tell me a couple things:
1. Is it normal for the damage to be confined to one cigar in one box?
2. Is it possible the damage was done when I got the box and my temp and humidity killed the little bastard?
3. At what point in a cigar's life does a beetle take up residence?

Yes, it is possible it was contained to the box. If it was kept closed you are probably OK.

Most of the damage is done by the larva eating his way through the stick and then turning into a beetle, once you see the beetle it is too late damage is already done.

Once the egg hatches the temp needs to get pretty low to kill those buggers. The beetle's natural life cycle will kill him off. If the temp is controlled you can keep eggs from hatching but once they are hatched they eat without regard to 60 degree temps.

This is a reason why many do not buy cigars that are shipped during the warmer months. The hatching can occur in the back of a truck on the way to you and then the silent beast eats away without you knowing.

Be sure to thoroughly check you humidor/cooler and the box they were in. Often times the larvae will form the chrysalis in corner etc. where it will turn into a beetle.

BY the way, the beetles can fly, so once you open the box there is the possibility of an escape.

 

[DirtyDave]

Very good Info DePasta! After reading this I decided to Freeze my recent purchases, just for safety sake. I hope I never have to deal with these nasty little buggers.

My sympathies for your loss.

 

[CigarStone]

Considering the temperature of your basement, what do you think caused the eggs to hatch? I was under the impression that the temp needed to be 80 degrees or greater to cause that to happen.

Further, I'd like to extend my condolences, I told my fiance about this thread and she was nearly as nauseous as I was at the thought of almost losing a collection. I aspire to have a collection worth worrying about in the near future.

I guess it's probable that the cigar was eaten prior to me getting them, I should have dissected it and verified the status of the beetle I guess.

Maybe someone with more experience can tell me a couple things:
1. Is it normal for the damage to be confined to one cigar in one box?
2. Is it possible the damage was done when I got the box and my temp and humidity killed the little bastard?
3. At what point in a cigar's life does a beetle take up residence?

Yes, it is possible it was contained to the box. If it was kept closed you are probably OK.

Most of the damage is done by the larva eating his way through the stick and then turning into a beetle, once you see the beetle it is too late damage is already done.

Once the egg hatches the temp needs to get pretty low to kill those buggers. The beetle's natural life cycle will kill him off. If the temp is controlled you can keep eggs from hatching but once they are hatched they eat without regard to 60 degree temps.

This is a reason why many do not buy cigars that are shipped during the warmer months. The hatching can occur in the back of a truck on the way to you and then the silent beast eats away without you knowing.

Be sure to thoroughly check you humidor/cooler and the box they were in. Often times the larvae will form the chrysalis in corner etc. where it will turn into a beetle.

BY the way, the beetles can fly, so once you open the box there is the possibility of an escape.

Thanks, that's good stuff right there! :thumbs:

 

[Shamrocker]

Considering the temperature of your basement, what do you think caused the eggs to hatch? I was under the impression that the temp needed to be 80 degrees or greater to cause that to happen.

Further, I'd like to extend my condolences, I told my fiance about this thread and she was nearly as nauseous as I was at the thought of almost losing a collection. I aspire to have a collection worth worrying about in the near future.

I guess it's probable that the cigar was eaten prior to me getting them, I should have dissected it and verified the status of the beetle I guess.

Maybe someone with more experience can tell me a couple things:
1. Is it normal for the damage to be confined to one cigar in one box?
2. Is it possible the damage was done when I got the box and my temp and humidity killed the little bastard?
3. At what point in a cigar's life does a beetle take up residence?

Yes, it is possible it was contained to the box. If it was kept closed you are probably OK.

Most of the damage is done by the larva eating his way through the stick and then turning into a beetle, once you see the beetle it is too late damage is already done.

Once the egg hatches the temp needs to get pretty low to kill those buggers. The beetle's natural life cycle will kill him off. If the temp is controlled you can keep eggs from hatching but once they are hatched they eat without regard to 60 degree temps.

This is a reason why many do not buy cigars that are shipped during the warmer months. The hatching can occur in the back of a truck on the way to you and then the silent beast eats away without you knowing.

Be sure to thoroughly check you humidor/cooler and the box they were in. Often times the larvae will form the chrysalis in corner etc. where it will turn into a beetle.

BY the way, the beetles can fly, so once you open the box there is the possibility of an escape.

Thank you DePasta! That's some pretty good info you shared. I've been fortunate enough to never have had a beetle encounter but now I have more of what to look for in the unfortunate event I come across one.

 

[DirtyDave]

I know none of us get these here in the states but... Habanos SA started freezing all cigars for 48 hours before they leave Cuba. They have been doing this since 2006. Good to know FWIW.

 

[gahau]

So... Let me get this straight...
When I smoke a "saved" or a "salvaged" cigar, I am smoking frozen beetle or frozen larva? :0
Further more hold long of an exposure to high temo (>70f) does it take for beetle to hatch?
And last does every cigar contain larva or whatever for it to have a breakout? What I mean is there a possibility that some "safe" cigar are not prone to break out even when exposed to a high temp environment, lets say that that I have some "safe" cigars and no bugs got in my humi...
Man you guys are freaking me out lol

 

[Satchmo]

I hate to break it to you, but I'm sure all of us have enjoyed smoking up a few beetle larvae in our time. My understanding is that they are somewhat common. The trick is to keep them from hatching. Hence the magic 70°/70% numbers...

You may have some cigars without any beetle babies, but if othe smokes with larvae hatch they can easily transfer and demolish the sticks that are lavae free.

It's funny how all the cigar reviews we have and no mentions ", woody, with a bit fruit and nice toasted beetle finish."

So... Let me get this straight...
When I smoke a "saved" or a "salvaged" cigar, I am smoking frozen beetle or frozen larva? :0
Further more hold long of an exposure to high temo (>70f) does it take for beetle to hatch?
And last does every cigar contain larva or whatever for it to have a breakout? What I mean is there a possibility that some "safe" cigar are not prone to break out even when exposed to a high temp environment, lets say that that I have some "safe" cigars and no bugs got in my humi...
Man you guys are freaking me out lol

 

[DirtyDave]

It's funny how all the cigar reviews we have and no mentions ", woody, with a bit fruit and nice toasted beetle finish."

That would be awesome, I might have to add that to a review. :sign:

 

[gahau]

Damn it I have exposed my humidor for 3-4 h at a higher temp then usual... (AC went out)
Man now i am freaking out!
I don't want any crap in my very first box of cigars!!!!
Should I freeze my cigars, and would that alter anything in the cigar?

 

[chenvt]

Mmmmm toasted beetle..

 

[DesertRat]

So... Let me get this straight...
When I smoke a "saved" or a "salvaged" cigar, I am smoking frozen beetle or frozen larva? :0

I wouldn't freak out about smoking a bit of beetle larvae when you look at what is allowed in our everyday food items.

Here is a very brief sampling of the FDA's Food Defect Action Level list. They begin investigation when foods reach the action level they've set. According to the FDA, typical foods contain about 10 percent of the action level, but others say they contain more like 40 percent.

CHOCOLATE AND CHOCOLATE LIQUOR

Insect filth: Average is 60 or more insect fragments per 100 grams when 6 100-gram subsamples are examined OR any 1 subsample contains 90 or more insect fragments

Rodent filth: Average is 1 or more rodent hairs per 100 grams in 6 100-gram subsamples examined OR any 1 subsample contains 3 or more rodent hairs

CITRUS FRUIT JUICES, CANNED

Insects and insect eggs: 5 or more Drosophila and other fly eggs per 250 ml or 1 or more maggots per 250 ml

RED FISH AND OCEAN PERCH

Parasites: 3% of the fillets examined contain 1 or more parasites accompanied by pus pockets

MACARONI AND NOODLE PRODUCTS

Insect filth: Average of 225 insect fragments or more per 225 grams in 6 or more subsamples

Rodent filth: Average of 4.5 rodent hairs or more per 225 grams in 6 or more subsamples

PEANUT BUTTER

Insect filth: Average of 30 or more insect fragments per 100 grams

Rodent filth: Average of 1 or more rodent hairs per 100 grams

POPCORN

Rodent filth: 1 or more rodent excreta pellets are found in 1 or more subsamples, and 1 or more rodent hairs are found in 2 or more other subsamples OR 2 or more rodent hairs per pound and rodent hair is found in 50% or more of the subsamples OR 20 or more gnawed grains per pound and rodent hair is found in 50% or more of the subsamples

WHEAT FLOUR

Insect filth: Average of 75 or more insect fragments per 50 grams

Rodent filth: Average of 1 or more rodent hairs per 50 grams

Can these things be avoided? To avoid all unsavory food components, it seems, would be to stop eating all together. And perhaps we're just being too squeamish. After all, as Dr. Manfred Kroger, a professor of food science at Pennsylvania State University, says, "Let's face it, much of our food comes from nature, and nature is not perfect."

My linkhttp://www.sixwise.com/newsletters/05/06/29/how_many_insect_parts_and_rodent_hairs_are_allowed_in_your_food.htm