Dealing with cigar beatles prevention is an age-old topic. Yesterday, a customer shared an unconventional method that really opened my eyes. Their approach is quite straightforward and brutal—using low temperatures to halt the development of cigar beatles. Then, they smoke the cigars while the pests are inactive. They believe that the taste of burning cigar beatles does not affect the original flavor of the cigar because the cigar's flavor is strong enough to mask any odd smells. It’s interesting, but let's laugh about it and then get serious.If you encounter this situation, I still recommend the following methods:
Isolate the Infected Source:
Completely isolate infected cigars from those that have not been affected to prevent the spread of eggs or larvae.
Inspect all cigar boxes, storage cabinets, and surrounding areas for signs of frass (insect droppings) or damage.
Use a soft-bristled brush to gently remove frass or larval residue from the surface of the cigars.
Cigars with minor holes can be retained, but those severely damaged should be discarded.
Freeze Infested Cigars:
Seal the infested cigars in moisture-proof bags or vacuum-sealed bags (to prevent condensation).
Place them in the freezer compartment (-18°C or below) for more than 72 hours to kill eggs, larvae, and adult insects.
After freezing, place the cigars in the refrigerator's chilling compartment (4°C) for 24 hours before slowly returning them to room temperature.
Note: Freezing may slightly affect the taste of the cigars, but it can save those that haven’t been severely damaged by pests.
Clean and Inspect:
Use a soft-bristled brush to gently remove frass or larval residue from the surface of the cigars.
Check for any through-and-through holes or structural damage.
Cigars with minor holes can be retained, but those severely damaged should be discarded.
To prevent this problem from occurring in the first place, I still suggest purchasing a quality cigar humidor if possible. For example, a humidor like the Raching cigar humidor has interiors made entirely of cedar wood, which not only repels pests but also enhances the flavor. Maintaining a low temperature (18-20°C), stable humidity (65-70%), and regular inspections can significantly reduce the risk of infestation.Have you learned something new?
