Some strange pests

Hello,
A few days ago I've noticed some kind of creatures on my cigars. I'm absolutely sure that it isn't tobacco beetles, but I have no idea what is it and I was unable to find any information on the net.
These creatures are white and very small, maybe about 0.2 mm long (not sure really. But they are small enought that all I can see is moving white dot.) They are too small to discern any details, but they remind me aphids or ticks. I've examined all my cigars carefully, and they seem to be undamaged – no holes in the wrapper, no powder or pieces of tobacco falling out after tapping the foot on the table.
So I have no idea what to do. What are these, are they dangerous and how to get rid of them?

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Originally Posted by ghoul

Hello,
A few days ago I've noticed some kind of creatures on my cigars. I'm absolutely sure that it isn't tobacco beetles, but I have no idea what is it and I was unable to find any information on the net.
These creatures are white and very small, maybe about 0.2 mm long (not sure really. But they are small enought that all I can see is moving white dot.) They are too small to discern any details, but they remind me aphids or ticks. I've examined all my cigars carefully, and they seem to be undamaged – no holes in the wrapper, no powder or pieces of tobacco falling out after tapping the foot on the table.
So I have no idea what to do. What are these, are they dangerous and how to get rid of them?

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I have no idea what they could be........it does seem like strange pests are on the rise all over the place though. Perhaps you should capture a few and visit a local pest control company, maybe they can help you out.

BTW, welcome to the board.

Hola ghoul.

For cigars, I would follow the same process as tobacco beetle.

http://www.mycigarsite.com/subopcion...cion1beng.html

Then, see what happen.

Regards.

Ricardo.

I say you should just smoke them out:smiley4:

but really, the freezing option would probably be the best

Go here and look at the 2nd photo...

If that's what you're seeing they are beetle larvae.

http://www.cigaraficionado.com/Cigar...44,231,00.html

ugh... where did I read that... I don't know where exactly, but i've read something about some kind of mite that gets into humis. If they're too tiny to see details, I'd imagine thats what they are. I wish I could remember what the proper course of action was. I'll let you know if I dig anything up.

Ok, I found this site... Its kind of obscure and I'm not sure how reliable of a source it is, but they do seem to be talking about the same problem as you: Linky

No, these are not beetle larvae, I'm quite sure about that.

I've also considered freezing, but it would be good to find out, what kind of creatures are these (as some insect eggs can survive extreme cold). Also, how should I clean humidor? It is too big to fit in the freezer, and I'm afraid that just cleaning it with a damp cloth wouldn't remove all the eggs which may be there. Any chemical agent, which wouldn't damage the cedar? Maybe vinegar solution?

Also, does freezing have any effect on the taste of the cigars? Is it worth freezing all new cigars before placing them in the humidor, just in case?

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Originally Posted by ReV

Ok, I found this site... Its kind of obscure and I'm not sure how reliable of a source it is, but they do seem to be talking about the same problem as you: Linky

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Thanks, that's correct – my pests are exactly that – tobacco mites, also called wood mites. Good news is that they are harmless, bad news – after reading everything I've found on the net I still don't have a clear idea how to get rid of them.

awww why did i see this thread.....lol

Sounds like dick gnats,spray some raid on them:smiley11:

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Originally Posted by kevin7

Sounds like dick gnats,spray some raid on them:smiley11:

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ROFLMAO......dual coffee jets out my nose!! :smiley36: :smiley36:

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Originally Posted by ashauler

ROFLMAO......dual coffee jets out my nose!! :smiley36: :smiley36:

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had a similar experience with tea. my keyboard has never quite recovered...
:smiley9:

I read somewhere that dick gnats don't like the light. If you take your cigars out and freeze them, take your humi and put it outside in the light while it's empty for a day or 2. They should go away. Then vacuum out your humi as best you can. Try to get in all the cracks and crevices with a nozzle attachment.

If you freeze your cigars, put them directly in the freezer. Apparently dick gnats can acclimate themselves to the cold if the temperature drops gradually, so flash freeze the little bastards. Also, they are attracted to moisture, so check your humidification device and replace it if necessary.

There is no guarantee that they won't come back. But the good news is that they won't hurt the cigarsl.

Good luck.