Temp control - how important is it?

[Steve OB]

OK, I'm thinking that 70% is probably too high for RH. Good info. Thanks. I don't think the ambient temps here will require chilling. I just don't want to smoke bugs! But wait, does that mean we all smoke bug eggs?

[kydsid]

Originally Posted by Steve OB

But wait, does that mean we all smoke bug eggs?

Yes and no. Tobacco beetles are pervasive in all tobacco growing regions. Eradication is not possible but cultural control techniques pre and post harvest can help control their numbers.

Key thing to remember is you are smoking a natural product, that may include other natural things. Plus if you eat peanut butter you likely eat more bug and bug parts than you'll ever smoke and both are harmless. But that's a story for some other time.

[markem]

Originally Posted by kydsid

Key thing to remember is you are smoking a natural product, that may include other natural things. Plus if you eat peanut butter you likely eat more bug and bug parts than you'll ever smoke and both are harmless. But that's a story for some other time.

Not to mention "meat products" of all sorts.

My humidors get up to 78* a lot in the summer. That's the set point for the air conditioner. I do freeze and would recommend it, since it is one more relatively painless step in not having to worry about temp.

Some here really like 70% RH. Some like it in the high 50s. Personally, I like about 61-63% and shoot for that. The main trick is to find what works for you. This means, an RH you can maintain where your sticks are smoking well. It's as much art as science, so may take a while. Just remember that changes to RH should be made slowly and infrequently so that the changes do not adversely affect the sticks It can take months for the RH inside the stick to stabilize.

Been there, screwed that up.

[T.G]

Originally Posted by Steve OB

I just don't want to smoke bugs! But wait, does that mean we all smoke bug eggs?

That's a distinct possibility.

*pinky up*