The Small Hive Beetle (SHB), Aethina tumida, is a significant pest of honeybee colonies and has caused widespread concern among beekeepers. Read on to find out more about SHB and how you can protect your hives.
Identification and Life Cycle
SHB are small, oval-shaped beetles, typically dark brown to black in colour, measuring about 5-7 mm in length. They lay their eggs in crevices or directly in combs. The larvae, which hatch from these eggs, can cause severe damage to the hive structure and its contents.
Warm, humid conditions accelerate SHB reproduction, making control more challenging during hot seasons.
Impacts of Small Hive Beetle
When SHB infestations are left unchecked, they can cause considerable damage to bee colonies and hive components. The key impacts include:
- Honey and brood consumption: SHB larvae consume honey, pollen, and brood, depriving the colony of essential resources.
- Honey contamination: SHB larvae defecate in honey, introducing a yeast (Kodamaea ohmeri) that causes fermentation. This leads to a slimy, foul-smelling substance commonly known as “slimed out” honey, which becomes unsuitable for bees and human consumption.
- Structural damage: SHB larvae burrow through comb, frames, and even timber boxes, compromising the hive’s structural integrity.
- Colony stress: Heavy SHB infestations can disrupt the queen’s ability to lay eggs, weaken the colony, and, in severe cases, cause bees to abscond (abandon the hive).
SHB Management and Control Strategies
Effective management of Small Hive Beetle requires a combination of good beekeeping practices, hive maintenance, and physical interventions. Here are key strategies to control SHB:
- Maintain strong colonies: A high bee-to-comb ratio ensures that bees can actively guard against SHB. Weak colonies are more vulnerable to infestation.
- Combine or boost weak hives: Combine small, struggling colonies or strengthen them by adding a frame of capped brood from a healthy hive.
- Keep baseboards clean: Regularly clean hive bases to remove debris where SHB can breed and hide.
- Practice good apiary hygiene: Remove discarded wax, comb, and other hive materials promptly, as these attract SHB and provide breeding sites.
- Reduce hiding spaces: Maintain hive equipment to eliminate cracks and crevices where SHB can hide. Smooth, durable hive designs, like Nuplas hive equipment, help eliminate SHB hiding spots.
- Use SHB traps: Installing SHB traps is an effective way to reduce beetle populations. Consider using:
- 10 Frame Beetle Trap With Vented Base – Designed to fit 10-frame hives, this vented base helps capture beetles while maintaining good airflow.
- Frame Style Beetle Trap – A discreet trap that sits inside the hive frame, helping to control SHB populations without disturbing the colony.
- Beetle Bait Cassette – A convenient baiting system to lure and trap SHB effectively.
By implementing these strategies and using effective SHB control products, beekeepers can minimize the impact of Small Hive Beetles and keep their hives healthy and productive.