RickHendeson Posted December 29, 2016 Share Posted December 29, 2016 Hello. A cigar shop is selling one of its used commercial-sized humidors. I was thinking of buying it, but then became worried about the prospect of cigar beetles/larvae hatching later. Is there any way to guard against this and/or sanitize a commercial humidor that anyone knows about? Any other thoughts on this prospect, or on buying a used cigar shop humidor generally? Pretend that I do not want to take the owner's word about whether he's had beetles in the past. Also please don't say "keep the temperature below XX degrees and you'll be fine." I do not want to face contingencies. Thanks in advance for any thoughts! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RijkdeGooier Posted December 29, 2016 Share Posted December 29, 2016 Shops sell used humidors all the time no need to worry about that per se. Regarding beetles they live on tabacco, if there is no tabacco inside the humidor there should he no beetles. If you are concerned about it air out the humidor a few weeks. Maybe clean the humidor with a soft cloth and alcohol/water mixture . Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Smallclub Posted December 29, 2016 Share Posted December 29, 2016 Adult beetles (they can fly) wouldn't stay in an empty humidor, larvae would die without anything to eat, and eggs are laid on tobacco, not in a corner of an humidor… btw, one of the reasons spanish cedar is the prefered wood is that most insects/pests hate its odor. Just give it a blow of vacuum cleaner, and fill it! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fugu Posted December 29, 2016 Share Posted December 29, 2016 As my previous speakers have said, no risk regarding adult beetles and eggs. The only issue you could theoretically face would be pupated larvae. Those can potentially be found in corners of boxes and humidors, i.e. further away from tobacco. You can visually check for them, though not easy to spot, in particular if there are gaps and groves. If you are seriously concerned, there are only two safe options (apart from pesticide use): Either heat-treat the whole thing (as is done with antique furniture = expensive and/or risk of damage if not done properly) or "incubate" your humidor for >three weeks at elevated temperature (~28 °C) and high humidity, until the remaining larvae hatch.... Though, seriously, I guess that would be hyperbolizing. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
canadianbeaver Posted December 29, 2016 Share Posted December 29, 2016 Do you live in a freezing cold place right now? This whacko idea just came to me. Leave it outside on your back deck for an afternoon. Will freshen 'er up like Frosty the Snowman. Cheers, and enjoy it! CB 4 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RickHendeson Posted December 29, 2016 Author Share Posted December 29, 2016 .Thanks guys! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jimmy_jack Posted December 29, 2016 Share Posted December 29, 2016 What does it look like? I'm curious. Cabinet display style? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PigFish Posted December 29, 2016 Share Posted December 29, 2016 I have an article around here somewhere regarding the lifecycle of these beetles. Apparently, even below 60F, without the resources for food, they don't live long. I already owe people 'white papers' I cannot find, so promising is useless. If you leave this in even a cool area for a fortnight, you should be well rid of the fear. -Piggy Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Trevor2118 Posted December 30, 2016 Share Posted December 30, 2016 On 30-12-2016 at 7:18 AM, PigFish said: I have an article around here somewhere regarding the lifecycle of these beetles. -Piggy This one?....... http://www.cubancigarwebsite.com/cigar-pests.pdf 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JohnS Posted December 30, 2016 Share Posted December 30, 2016 56 minutes ago, Trevor2118 said: This one?....... http://www.cubancigarwebsite.com/cigar-pests.pdf I think after reading that article, no other articles are required! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PigFish Posted December 31, 2016 Share Posted December 31, 2016 1 hour ago, Trevor2118 said: This one?....... http://www.cubancigarwebsite.com/cigar-pests.pdf Good job Trev. that looks to be the one! most cold-susceptible stage in the life cycle. At 20°C, most eggs hatched normally within 4 wk, but all eggs died within 6 wk at temperatures less than 18°C. This result agrees well with those of Howe ... Pretty much what I recalled from the article. Thanks for putting it up! -Ray Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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