Expert: James Yee - 8/7/2008

Question
Are tobacco beetles typically only found in Cuban cigars?  I've never had a non-Cuban cigar show signs of infestation (but I have found them in Cubans I've bought in the past), and I'm wary of including my Cubans in my humidor with my non-Cuban group of cigars (about 95%+ of my collection).

Answer
Greg,

Tobacco beetles can indeed be found in both Cuban and Non-Cuban cigars.  Some cigar brands may have a more thorough screening process of finding and removing the beetle eggs from the tobacco during production which is why they are less-likely to have eggs.

If your humidor is kept at below 74 degrees Fahrenheit, you shouldn't worry that your cigars may be at risk.  Tobacco beetles are not uncommon and their eggs are actually in the tobacco filler of most cigars.  (Note: Have you ever heard a crackle or pop when you smoke a cigar?  That's a beetle egg.)  These eggs however, are dormant at temperatures below 75 degrees Fahrenheit and only incubate and hatch when the temperature is high; usually between 77-80 degrees or higher.  As a result, it's best to keep your humidor's temperature at 75 degrees or lower.  70 degrees is ideal.  It's also important to remember that the home/environment temperature can affect your humidor's internal temperature so try to keep your humidor in the coolest room possible.  Avoid keeping your humidor near windows or direct sunlight as well as incandescent and halogen lighting.  Also avoid keeping your humidor near major heat sources such as your computer, television and desk lamps.

Hopes this answers your question. If you have any more questions, please feel free to just ask.

Regards,
James