Cigar beetles and humidity

[Ropey]

For some reason I always want to spell it "cigar beatles"...

So I understand that cigar beetles start to hatch when temps reach mid-70s F or higher. However, does humidity also affect hatching? Can keeping RH low prevent hatching, even if temps rise?

(Hot weekend here in CA).

[HabanoMan]

Just keep your humidity in the acceptable ranges and temps under 71 and you will be good to go. Temp is the major factor at play concerning beetles.

[Ropey]

I'm actually looking for more specific information about RH, specifically, and beetle hatching. I have the cigars in the coldest spot in the house and have no way to reduce the temperature any more. No wineadors, coolers or anything. And I can't purchase any.

I guess I should phrase my question differently: Can anybody point me to any reputable internet resources that talk about the effect of RH on beetle hatching?

Thanks again!

[HabanoMan]

@Ropey Here is a link about it from Purdue University http://extension.entm.purdue.edu/publications/E-239.pdf

[Cameradude]

From my own personal experience beetles will hatch if the temps rise and RH remains stable. I keep my RH at 64-66% in my coolers using a combination of Boveda and Heartfelt beads. I was doing some organization of my coolers and moved them into my office because I have table space to work on. Because of the computer equipment my office can range between 70-78 degrees. The week or so that I had everything in my office I had beetles start eating away on a Victor Sinclair. Luckily it was caught early and was an isolated incident. But the particular cigar had been in a cooler at 65% with temps ranging from 60-72 and did not have an issue for months. It was only when the temps raised while in my office that they began to hatch. RH never changed.

[Tobias Lutz]

You could simply freeze your cigars and be done with it (not trying to turn this into a freezing discussion- just throwing it out there).

[projectsunfire]

get a wineador and never look back!

[anthony d]

+1 on freezing...

[Browns7213]

There actually was a great post by @ssaka at the other place that discussed beetle hatching temps/humidity. While I don't remember everything in his post, what I found fascinating was that below 70/70 usually prevents hatching, but also over a certain temp/RH level also prevents hatching. Unfortunately, those higher temps/Rh will make your cigars pretty soggy.

[Tgs679]

Freeze your sticks