Cigars/Cigar Mites
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Question
Hi James, I was just reading your response to a question regarding beetles and
these little white mite. Can you tell me, other than vacuuming and dusting - is
there another 'cure' for these mites or do you just have to let them live it out? Of
course, prevention is always better than cure - so have you any advice regarding
temps / humidity that may help? Thanks very much.
Hi Hugh,
Tobacco mites (not to be confused with tobacco beetles) are usually transferred to humidors from other cigars. Though they're harmless, it's possible for them to remain unseen on a cigar and then be placed in your humidor. When in your humidor, tobacco mites will linger near humid sources such as the humidification device or dish of water/wet sponge. Again, they're harmless to cigars but can be very unsightly; especially when they congregate and thrive near large sources of water. (People who use a dish of water in their humidor will usually find them localized in or around the dish.)
Vacuuming and brushing your humidor and cigars periodically will help keep your humidor clean and keep tobacco mite presence at a minimum. Even at ideal humidor conditions, tobacco mites can still be present but they’re more of a nuisance than a threat. However, it’s still best to keep your humidor’s humidity between 67-73% and the temperature no greater than 75 degrees Fahrenheit. This will help prevent tobacco beetles and cigar mold from appearing.
Hopes this answers your question. If you have any more questions, please feel free to just ask and I will be happy to help.
Regards,
James
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James Yee
Expertise
My main area of expertise is Cuban cigars but I can also assist you with cigar etiquette, humidor maintenance and troubleshooting. Unsure of a certain cigar brand? Wondering what a certain cigar tastes like? Have any questions about Cuban cigars? Just let me know! I have smoked every brand of Cuban cigars and most reputable non-Cuban cigar brands on a regular basis so I know a fair bit about taste profiles, cigar etiquette and other fine nuances to cigar smoking. (NOTE: My main focus is on premium, hand-rolled cigars and not cheap, machine made, convenience store cigars.) IMPORTANT: PLEASE NOTE THAT I DO NOT PROVIDE CIGAR OR CIGAR-RELATED APPRAISALS. If you have a vintage cigar item and you want to know if it's worth something, please contact an antique dealer that specializes in "TOBACCIANA".
Experience
I currently have 19 dedicated years of cigar smoking and counting. I have smoked every brand of Cuban cigars and most reputable non-Cuban cigar brands on a regular basis so I know a fair bit about taste profiles, cigar etiquette and other fine nuances to cigar smoking. For 5 years, I studied with Cuban torcedores (rollers), catadores (taste testers) and revisadores (inspectors) on every aspect involving the production of the Cuban cigar and I am currently writing a book that will help beginners understand everything they need to know about cigars and cigar smoking.
Publications
Maple Leaf Gardens: Memories & Dreams 1931-1999 (1999; ISBN: 0920445616)
50 Things Every Guy Should Know How To Do (2006; ISBN: 0452286654)
The [London] Times (October 8, 2009)
Education/Credentials
B.A. University of Toronto
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