Cigar Weekly

solomr2 · 04-30-2002, 10:02 PM

According to my readings, a full beetle cycle is 8-10 weeks, from laying to hatching to death. As far as I know, if an egg doesn't hatch within that time, it dies. I don't dormant stages can exceed that period. Also, don't assume that because the egg has hatched that you will see the little bugger - I believe larvae can live days or weeks inside a cigar without borrowing out.

Another point is cross contamination cannot be underestimated... these suckers can fly, so they can migrate very easily and quickly to new stock without being noticed.

Finally, when I freeze, I set my home side-by-side fridge/freezer to the coldest setting. I wrap the cigars in small bundles with cellophane wrap, then I double bag them to seal in as much moisture as possible. Then I freeze them for 10 days, followed by 2 days thaw in the fridge, followed by 2 days thaw at room temps. Then I unwrap and return to the humi. Note, I also wipe down the humi with a damp cloth in case there are any larvae or eggs in the humi.

Once frozen, any eggs, larvae or adults will be dead. But again, beware of cross contamination.

04-30-2002, 10:02 PM	#40
solomr2 Herf Meister Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Cone of Death & Destruction Posts: 5,324	According to my readings, a full beetle cycle is 8-10 weeks, from laying to hatching to death. As far as I know, if an egg doesn't hatch within that time, it dies. I don't dormant stages can exceed that period. Also, don't assume that because the egg has hatched that you will see the little bugger - I believe larvae can live days or weeks inside a cigar without borrowing out. Another point is cross contamination cannot be underestimated... these suckers can fly, so they can migrate very easily and quickly to new stock without being noticed. Finally, when I freeze, I set my home side-by-side fridge/freezer to the coldest setting. I wrap the cigars in small bundles with cellophane wrap, then I double bag them to seal in as much moisture as possible. Then I freeze them for 10 days, followed by 2 days thaw in the fridge, followed by 2 days thaw at room temps. Then I unwrap and return to the humi. Note, I also wipe down the humi with a damp cloth in case there are any larvae or eggs in the humi. Once frozen, any eggs, larvae or adults will be dead. But again, beware of cross contamination. __________________ A broken Punch whore. Now I smoke anything I can get.