Do Boxes Prevent the Spread of Beetles?

[schnell987]

Sorry for the dumb question (and yes I did a quick search first), but I imagine that beetles can't break out of or through cigar boxes. If true, then only the cigars within an infested box would be in danger if something should happen...and the rest of the collection would be safe? In contrast, storing cigars in open cedar trays would not give that same protection to other cigars??? I don't have an infestation (that I know of!), but was just curious.

Thanks for your input.

[pistolero]

Good question. I don't know myself. But I agree with you. As long as the boxes all close tight I would think they couldn't actually eat through the wood but who knows. Bugs suck.

[NCRadioMan]

They probably can't get through a box but it would be a shame to open a box and see this:

[schnell987]

Ouch. That picture is painful. But probably less painful than if cedar trays alone were used, as (my guess is that) the buggers would have spread to the entire collection without the box.

[Ron1YY]

Originally Posted by NCRadioMan

They probably can't get through a box but it would be a shame to open a box and see this:

Fortunately for me, All I see is a X I don't think I can handle seeing something like that


Ron

[goatfarmer]

Simular experience. Purchased box of cigs and left unopened in humi for couple months. Paniced when opened, fortunately the criters did not spread. In this case, think having in box saved the rest of the sticks. Learn to inspect them in advance, save experiencing a panic attack, and can return to sender if there is a problem.

[muziq]

Unfortunately I have experience in this area--yes, they can spread outside of a box. Even one that's shut tight with a hasp (like a AF Don Carlos box, etc). I had a whole armoire full of beetles but luckily caught it in time and suffered no damage. I had no cello/plastic-sealed boxes in there at the time so I can't do more than speculate as to whether they can eat or tear through shrinkwrap or other plastic coverings. They *can* maneuver through cello-wrapped cigars since they're usually open at one end.

FWIW, I learned that a bright LED flashlight is particularly helpful at identifying the little f-ers. The particular spectrum of "white" LED light seems to pick them up as they're crawling around and make them stand out...moreso than a regular mag or incandescent flashlight. I'm in the weekly habit of opening a select few of my boxes and scanning them for beetles.

[68TriShield]

You've never seen beetle holes in cello Heath? I have,nice neat little holes...

[SmokeyJoe]

You guys are giving me cold chills...

This is worse than when I saw the movie JAWS for the first time.