Tobacco Beetles and Baggies?

[Tyler]

I received some cigars today and I was thinking about just double baggie-ing them in gallon sized baggies and putting them in my humidor. The cigars are cello wrapped so my question is if there are beetles could they eat through the cello, through the first baggie, and the through the second baggie infesting my humidor?

I don't really want to freeze these but I will if the baggie thing doesn't work.

[Skywalker]

This one could, possibly!

http://www.etrange-mag.com/isopod2.jpg

[Tyler]

Haha that would could swallow all of these cigars as these are smaller ones. I need to add though that I am going to take them out of the cello wrap (they are a bundle) as some have gotten smooshed in transit. I think that if I take them out they will eventually regain their shape. I hope atleast. Actually does anyone know if this will work?

[T.G]

I received some cigars today and I was thinking about just double baggie-ing them in gallon sized baggies and putting them in my humidor. The cigars are cello wrapped so my question is if there are beetles could they eat through the cello, through the first baggie, and the through the second baggie infesting my humidor?

I don't really want to freeze these but I will if the baggie thing doesn't work.

Cello: yes - it won't even slow down the larvae.
Plastic bag - not totally sure here, don't think so though. At least not heavy duty bags. Saw a ziplock freezer bag full of beetle ridden sticks over the weekend, they didn't seem to be able to get out of the ziplock. Although if you were to open the ziplock bag, then any mature beetles that have developed wings could fly out of the bag, and since they don't just eat tobacco, any number of other things in your house are now at risk. Paper and certain foodstuffs in particular.

If you are that worried about possible beetle problems, you're probably just better off freezing the cigars for 4-5 days and that way you don't have to worry about it.

[massphatness]

If you're going to put them in freezer bags anyway, I vote for taking the next step and just freezing them. I don't like the aesthetic of zip-locs in the humi. YMMV.

If there are beetles, they aren't likely to burrow through double bagged cigars in the short term, so if you're planning to smoke these in the near future, I guess the answer to your question is you're safe.

[T.G]

Haha that would could swallow all of these cigars as these are smaller ones. I need to add though that I am going to take them out of the cello wrap (they are a bundle) as some have gotten smooshed in transit. I think that if I take them out they will eventually regain their shape. I hope atleast. Actually does anyone know if this will work?

They will spring back a little, but depending on how much they have been "smooshed", they might not rebound completely to their original shape.

[Blak Smyth]

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_cjrILVe632A/TJAHraBqaVI/AAAAAAAAASY/cN6YkArnXTg/s320/indian+superbug+ndm-1.jpg
This one deffinitley could!
Edit: It might not be a beetle now that I look closer.
Skywalker, that one makes me cringe!



I really should start freezing my new sticks, it's kinda like extending a warranty on a T.V.

[massphatness]

some have gotten smooshed in transit. I think that if I take them out they will eventually regain their shape.

Unless the wrappers are damaged, smooshed cigars smoke just fine as many who have smoked a Culebra vitola will attest.

http://www.thecigarsmoker.com/images/culebras2.jpg

[jesseboston81]

If you're going to put them in freezer bags anyway, I vote for taking the next step and just freezing them.

:tpd: What do you have against freezing them and taking care of any possible beetle issues all at once?

[T.G]

Unless the wrappers are damaged, smooshed cigars smoke just fine as many who have smoked a Culebra vitola will attest.

Good point Vin. I was speaking solely of aesthetics with my previous answer to this issue.

[WittyUserName]

I received some cigars today and I was thinking about just double baggie-ing them in gallon sized baggies and putting them in my humidor. The cigars are cello wrapped so my question is if there are beetles could they eat through the cello, through the first baggie, and the through the second baggie infesting my humidor?

I don't really want to freeze these but I will if the baggie thing doesn't work.

Are you worried about these smokes and beetles for a particular reason? or do you always take steps when you get a new batch of sticks?

[Tyler]

Thanks fellas. I suppose I will just go ahead and freeze them since I am already putting them in double baggies.

The box got pretty beat the hell up. I should have gone with a 5x5 instead but had heard the bundles were older. Box code says April 2010 but my 5x5 from this past month says August 2010 so I guess it is better to go with 5x5 as they don't get beat up. Some of these look like they are triangle pressed lol.

[Tyler]

:tpd: What do you have against freezing them and taking care of any possible beetle issues all at once?


Are you worried about these smokes and beetles for a particular reason? or do you always take steps when you get a new batch of sticks?

Didn't see these posts before. Recently I have been freezing all of my new cigars. I just had heard, key word heard as this is a huge debate that I wish we not get into really haha, that freezing can take away some of the original flavors. I can't find any firm evidence that proves or disproves this so I was going to try not freezing and compare to the ones I did freeze. But when it comes down to it if I have a choice between the slight possibility of losing a small amount of flavor from these and the possibility of losing my whole collection due to beetles. I will choose to freeze because the small loss of flavor, if there even is a loss, is so minimal that I have not even been able to tell with any of my cigars.

[DPD6030]

I freeze everything :2

Cello on or off Tyler :r

[NCRadioMan]

I just had heard, key word heard as this is a huge debate that I wish we not get into really haha, that freezing can take away some of the original flavors.

Poppycock! If it did that, the manufacturers wouldn't freeze and it's pretty much an industry standard.

[Tyler]

Haha Chutney that is what I thought too but just for the sake of curiosity, and slight paranoia, I was going to try to not freeze these.

Anyways, here is a picture of the most beat up and abused stick. He needs some loving. He is cracked, bent, and triangle pressed lol.

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y46/reptman34/134aba16.jpg

[WittyUserName]

Poppycock! If it did that, the manufacturers wouldn't freeze and it's pretty much an industry standard.

So here we go. If the manufacture freezes, which kills the eggs, why are you then freezing again? ;s

[massphatness]

So here we go. If the manufacture freezes, which kills the eggs, why are you then freezing again? ;s

Because you cannot account for beetle infestation post-freeze at the manufacturing site.

[Blak Smyth]

Not as bad as I pictured, thanks for the pic Wallbright.

[T.G]

So here we go. If the manufacture freezes, which kills the eggs, why are you then freezing again? ;s
Simple. After leaving the manufacturer's blast freezers they spend a lot of time in various common warehouse humidors and transit where the potential for re-exposure exists.

[pnoon]

haha lol

I read it on the Internet.
Posted via Mobile Device

[WittyUserName]

Because you cannot account for beetle infestation post-freeze at the manufacturing site.


Simple. After leaving the manufacturer's blast freezers they spend a lot of time in various common warehouse humidors and transit where the potential for re-exposure exists.


haha lol

I read it on the Internet.
Posted via Mobile Device


<----- This noob was just taken to school......:l

[icehog3]

Don't believe everything you read, and certainly don't regurgitate it.

[pnoon]

Don't believe everything you read, and certainly don't regurgitate it.
Sage advice.
Posted via Mobile Device

[wayner123]

Just to add, I have seen pics of tubo's in which the beetles ate through. So the zip-locs ain't going to stop them.

[Skywalker]

Just to add, I have seen pics of tubo's in which the beetles ate through. So the zip-locs ain't going to stop them.

:jd

[icehog3]

Just to add, I have seen pics of tubo's in which the beetles ate through. So the zip-locs ain't going to stop them.

Would love to see those pics.

[wayner123]

Would love to see those pics.

I'll try to find them. But in the meantime, here is an article which claims they can chew through aluminum foil.

http://www.wvu.edu/~exten/infores/pubs/pest/hpm8004.pdf

[Tyler]

Not as bad as I pictured, thanks for the pic Wallbright.

Didn't see this earlier. No problem at all. I guess it looks like a backwoods? Haha

[Tyler]

Whaa? I found this through Ebsco while searching for tobacco beetle.

Examines the discovery of the tobacco beetle in the mummy of Egyptian pharaoh Rameses II, and provides an alternative model for its origin. Discussion on Rameses II and his discovery; Possibility of modern insect and mite infestation of the mummy; Historical background on the use of natural substances as insecticides.

I never knew there was a tobacco beetle found with Rameses II. Cool.

[poker]

Would love to see those pics.

Me too.

[Tyler]

Cigars are in the fridge awaiting freezer time. :noon :noon :banger

Thanks fellas for all the fast responses. I decided that it would be best to freeze than to run the risk. :Tu

[Devanmc]

Would love to see those pics.

Just to add, I have seen pics of tubo's in which the beetles ate through. So the zip-locs ain't going to stop them.

:jd

Me too.

im not saying its true becuase this is the interwebs but i did find multipule sources stating the bettles can eat threw, what amounts to, thin soft metals.

http://www.tabacordillera.com/tobacco-insect-pests-mold.htm

http://www.gosmokeshop.com/1298/primer.htm

http://www.cigarsmag.com/articlesInside.asp?type=1&ar=24

http://www.cigarasylum.com/vb/archive/index.php/t-8786.html
(post from silverfox at 01-25-2009, 04: 27 PM)

:sh :tf dont crucify me i found it on the interwebs, if could just be a myth. :cf2

[T.G]

There's a huge difference in thickness between the metal-foil discussed in those articles and the walls of a tubo Devan.

[Tyler]

How much thicker are the walls of a tubo though? The RyJ ones I have seem pretty thin but definitely thicker than tin foil.

[Average Joe]

There's a huge difference in thickness between the metal-foil discussed in those articles and the walls of a tubo Devan.

Who cares how thin the metal is. They're eating through metal. Period. Go chew some tin foil and report back on how easy it is. -(P I remember being a little dumb @## when I was little and doing that. Took me about 1/8th of a bite to learn

[Tyler]

Who cares how thin the metal is. They're eating through metal. Period. Go chew some tin foil and report back on how easy it is.

I think you can bite through tin foil relatively easy. :r

I am only kidding. I see your point. It is better to be safe than sorry. I am going to freeze them so that I am 100% positive that the beetles are at least kicked into hibernation mode. The only problem is that I live in Texas and with this heat, 104-106 today I believe with some days up to 110, I have a hard time keeping the house cool much less my cooler of cigars in the closet. I just read the hygros in the humi and they say 74 and 72 so not too bad but I hear the beetles start to be a problem close to 79-80 right?

[BC-Axeman]

I think I read on a website somewhere that they use static electricity to arc their way through metal. I'll try to find that link. Maybe Wikipedia.

[bobarian]

Who cares how thin the metal is. They're eating through metal. Period. Go chew some tin foil and report back on how easy it is. -(P I remember being a little dumb @## when I was little and doing that. Took me about 1/8th of a bite to learn

Tobacco beetles CANNOT eat through metal. The "foil" used in cigar storage(Tat RC184, RyJ Cazadores, etc.) is paper with a thin metallic coating. I am still waiting for pics of beetles chewing through an aluminum tubo. I have seen many beetle holes in cigars from tubos, not one chewed its way through. :sh

[Bill86]

Who cares how thin the metal is. They're eating through metal. Period. Go chew some tin foil and report back on how easy it is. -(P I remember being a little dumb @## when I was little and doing that. Took me about 1/8th of a bite to learn

I've never seen such pictures or claims of this before today.....Not saying it isn't true, but ....I'm pretty damn skeptical.

I'd love to see pictures, as mentioned by several members already.

[Tyler]

This one says something about tin foil and it is from University of Nebraska.

Cigarette and Drugstore Beetles. These are small robust beetles that infest a wide range of processed foods, including dry pet food, cereals, spices, drugs and other packages foods. They also attack tobacco. They can chew through tin foil and penetrate most food packaging materials.

http://lancaster.unl.edu/food/ftoct03.htm

I don't know if it is the same beetle?

[pnoon]

I read it on the internet. It must be true.
:rolleyes:

[Tyler]

I read it on the internet. It must be true.
:rolleyes:

Well to be fair a University has more credibility than hill billy Joe writing out of his trailer parked in the middle of Texas using beer cans as makeshift antenna to get satellite internet.

Edit: It should be added though that you could be right and this information could be false. I am just saying that at least it is from a University instead of somewhere not as credible.

[T.G]

Go chew some tin foil and report back on how easy it is. -(P I remember being a little dumb @## when I was little and doing that. Took me about 1/8th of a bite to learn

I'm sorry, to whom exactly is this statement directed?

I would hope you actually read the thread to see where the claims were being made before blindly jumping in with both feet.

[Tyler]

I found a kind of cool study that looked at traces of metal in the mandibles of the cigar beetles. No mention of them chewing THROUGH metal though. I only skimmed it so someone with more time can look but doing a search for the word metal popped up alot of info on traces in their mandibles.

http://ddr.nal.usda.gov/bitstream/10113/13137/1/IND23316635.pdf

Edit:

This article suggests that they cannot eat through metal. (I am not saying the above does, I am just throwing some more articles and research out).

Store susceptible foods in insect-proof containers of glass, heavy plastic, or metal, ideally with screw-type lids, or store in a refrigerator or freezer. Use older packages before new ones, avoid spillage in cabinets, and always keep food-storage spaces clean. Properly ventilate the storage area to discourage these moisture-loving pests.

http://ohioline.osu.edu/hyg-fact/2000/2083.html

[Zeuceone]

If a cigar has been aged for three years, would that be long enough for the eggs to die?

[icehog3]

Thank goodness for Google, now we know everythiing.

[Tyler]

Thank goodness for Google, now we know everythiing.

Haha well in all fairness though some were from Universities. Which a step up from google but is by no means conclusive.

[pnoon]

Haha well in all fairness though some were from Universities. Which a step up from google but is by no means conclusive.

put . . . the . . . shovel . . . down


:2

[Tyler]

put . . . the . . . shovel . . . down


:2

Haha okay. ;s :banger

[Average Joe]

I just read the hygros in the humi and they say 74 and 72 so not too bad but I hear the beetles start to be a problem close to 79-80 right?

Mine has been at 74 all summer with no problems. I freeze everything right when it comes in. I don't need tobacco beetles chewing through the steel supports in my basement. -(P

I think I read on a website somewhere that they use static electricity to arc their way through metal. I'll try to find that link. Maybe Wikipedia.

Do you think they could arc their way through my head wear?

http://new-aliens-ufos-videos-sightings.totalh.com/tin-foil-hat.jpg

I'm sorry, to whom exactly is this statement directed?

I would hope you actually read the thread to see where the claims were being made before blindly jumping in with both feet.

Really? I'm going to act like you didn't take my post that seriously.

[Devanmc]

I've never seen such pictures or claims of this before today.....Not saying it isn't true, but ....I'm pretty damn skeptical.

I'd love to see pictures, as mentioned by several members already.

Tobacco beetles CANNOT eat through metal. The "foil" used in cigar storage(Tat RC184, RyJ Cazadores, etc.) is paper with a thin metallic coating. I am still waiting for pics of beetles chewing through an aluminum tubo. I have seen many beetle holes in cigars from tubos, not one chewed its way through.


There's a huge difference in thickness between the metal-foil discussed in those articles and the walls of a tubo Devan.

im not saying its true becuase this is the interwebs but i did find multipule sources stating the bettles can eat threw, what amounts to, thin soft metals.

dont crucify me i found it on the interwebs, if could just be a myth. :cf2

and the others that followed

and i get crucified anyways... ;s

I personally never said they could eat threw thick(tubo) metal. I specifically said "soft thin metals". Your interpretation that i said a tubo is wrong because well, i never said it. that is all, :2

put . . . the . . . shovel . . . down


:2

+1 :tu

[688sonarmen]

Here are some close pics of my pet beetles. Unless they are a kin to billy goats I'm calling bs on the tubos.

http://i1126.photobucket.com/albums/l617/jakestich1/DSCN1070.jpg
http://i1126.photobucket.com/albums/l617/jakestich1/DSCN1084.jpg

[massphatness]

If a cigar has been aged for three years, would that be long enough for the eggs to die?

While I'm not an Entomologist, I don't believe it's long enough depending on the storage conditions of the cigars. I tried to research mortality rates for beetle eggs but couldn't come up with anything that spoke to how long they live at "normal" temps. Lots of data on the effects of extreme heat and cold, but not so much "room temperature" data.

I'm a better safe than sorry guy -- so I freeze EVERYTHING -- including my previously frozen sticks if I take them to a herf and someone hands me a cigar that I end up throwing in my herf-a-dor. I am NOT screwing with my collection if I can help it. It's one thing to have a box of cigars confiscated, but to lose a box (boxes) which have successfully made it into my humidor? I would kick my own ass into next week.

[Drez]

I've been looking into this beetle setting through a tube and mortality rates for the eggs and I too can't find much info on either at room temp.

I think it's widely agreed on that freezing everything is the best preventive mesure but it is still not a 100% percent that you will not have a beetle hatch and ruin a stick or 2.

I believe that if you choose to freeze everything you should still check your stock fromtime to time and make sure everything is still good. I "play" with my stash every few weeks and I use that time to look over some sticks, reorginize, and inspect my sticks.

Keep the temps as low as possible and the humidity in "range" and you should not have to worry about a beetle outbreak let alone them eatting through a tube. :tu

[wayner123]

Would love to see those pics.

Me too.

I have been searching and searching to find them. I cannot find them. Sorry guys.

I recall it being only like 2 or 3 pics of a silver tubo. With one small hole in it. Oh well.

[poker]

Haha well in all fairness though some were from Universities. Which a step up from google but is by no means conclusive.

Many University studies aint all that bright either.

A study from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill found that “people who bike or walk to work are more fit, less fat than drivers.”

[wayner123]

Ok, I think I found what I had remembered:

http://www.vitolas.net/albums/userpics/10002/ryj_beetles.jpg

There is a small something or other on the tube above the "A" in Julieta. I can't say that it is a beetle hole. So I guess I remembered it wrong. My bad.

[Average Joe]

Ok, I think I found what I had remembered:

http://www.vitolas.net/albums/userpics/10002/ryj_beetles.jpg

There is a small something or other on the tube above the "A" in Julieta. I can't say that it is a beetle hole. So I guess I remembered it wrong. My bad.


I ran a full CSI Miami analysis on the picture and it appears the hole was actually made by Luke Skywalker. From the reflection on the tubo it looks like the photographer had a sandwich for lunch and still had some lettuce on his mustache. ;)

[Tyler]

Many University studies ain't all that bright either.

Very true. Causation and correlation often times get confused with studies like the one you quoted.

[Tbagley]

Wow that Romeo has a house full of friends, imagine the look on the face of the guy opening that tube!