What's worse high temperature or low humidity?

[Warren]

Here's the deal..

I built a walk-in humidor inside my office. The AC unit we installed is not sufficient for the whole office. But it's August so I'm going to ride it out and replace it next spring. For now I'm at about 75 degrees in my office during the day which puts the humidor at about 80 with the door closed. I can open the door and get the temperature down to 72-75 but in doing so the humidity drops to 50-55%.

I know neither 80 degrees nor 50% humidity is ideal. But given my circumstances for the next 30-60 days what's worse? At night it's a fairly ideal 70/70 in there. But during the day I either have a temperature or humidity problem. I'm wondering which is worse.

[SCS]

Low humidity is worse IMO. I've smoked good cigars in the middle east, and they were fine as long as I kept them store at decent humidity. Extremes at either end aren't good, but I'd rather keep them 5 to 8 degrees warmer than in 15 to 20 percent lower humidity.

[pitbulljimmy]

High temp. of about 80 degrees or so can cause tobacco beetle larvae to hatch inside your cigars and start eating their way out... You can always re-hydrate your cigars, beetle damage is permanent! JMHO

[madurolover]

55% is not terrible whereas 50% is too low. IMO
80 degrees is not good. However, since it is not a steady 80 degrees I think you may be ok.

Many cigar collectors store their cigars at 55% - 58% humidity for long term aging.

[heavyd]

Good advice from the first 4 posts. If your temperatures stayed in the mid 70s it would be a different matter, imo, But 80 is pushing it.

Look on the bright side...at least you have a walk-in humidor in your office

[teoulennon]

I second the heat being worse. You don't want beetles!

[SMOKE20]

Originally Posted by pitbulljimmy

High temp. of about 80 degrees or so can cause tobacco beetle larvae to hatch inside your cigars and start eating their way out... You can always re-hydrate your cigars, beetle damage is permanent! JMHO

Great post.

[madurolover]

What tobacco Beetle?

[Sigarz]

Originally Posted by madurolover

What tobacco Beetle?

yes I too agree heat is WAY worse!!!

[orca99usa]

Ouch. Awful to see those Padrons fall prey to the beetle scourge.

High temp. of about 80 degrees or so can cause tobacco beetle larvae to hatch inside your cigars and start eating their way out... You can always re-hydrate your cigars, beetle damage is permanent! JMHO

That's my take as well. If I had to choose, I'd rather have a dry stick to moisten than a beetle infestation.

[GJProductions]

Originally Posted by madurolover

What tobacco Beetle?

woah this can happen????
I am scared, its been pretty warm here lately, 90's, and I don't have a proper humidor setup!!!!
Are my precious stogies going to be devoured by puny beetles?

[SCS]

I stand corrected. Didn't know 80 deg F was warm enough to hatch the little boogers. I may have to focus on stocking up in the winter to avoid my stogies having hot summer UPS truck rides.

[bigtattoo79]

Originally Posted by madurolover

What tobacco Beetle?

OK We have to ban that pic everytime I see that one I have bad dreams.

[madurolover]

Originally Posted by bigtattoo79

OK We have to ban that pic everytime I see that one I have bad dreams.

I put a disclaimer at the top of my post that viewing the pic may cause nightmares.

[bigtattoo79]

Originally Posted by madurolover

I put a disclaimer at the top of my post that viewing the pic may cause nightmares.

LMAO I didnt see that the first time.

Now I am not joking do not post it again.


LOL I am joking but you have to admit it sends chills down your back?


Thanks Lance