Managing Small Hive Beetle Infestations: Effective Treatments and Best Practices

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. The Biology of Small Hive Beetles
   • Background
   • Morphological Characteristics
   • Behavioral Characteristics
3. Treatments for Small Hive Beetles
   • Chemical-Based Treatments
     • Checkmite
     • Guard Star
   • Organic-Based Treatments
     • Attractants
     • Beetle Blaster Trap
     • Diatomaceous Earth
     • Nematodes
   • Comparing Chemical vs Organic Treatments
4. Research on Small Hive Beetle Treatments
   • Phase One: Testing Organic Agents
     • Apple Cider Vinegar
     • Mango Puree with Boric Acid
     • Cantaloupe Puree with Boric Acid
     • Yeast
     • Peanut Oil
     • Grapeseed Oil
     • Beer
   • Phase Two: Developing a Blend Based on Beer's Chemical Composition
     • Oil Blend
     • Oil-Water Blend
5. Applying the Findings
   • Using Beer as an Attractant
   • Good Apiary Practices to Manage Small Hive Beetles
6. Conclusion
7. Resources

👉 The Biology of Small Hive Beetles

Small hive beetles (Athena tamita) are a species of beetle that originally hails from sub-Saharan Africa. However, they have spread globally since the 1990s, causing significant damage to the beekeeping industry. These opportunistic scavengers are particularly destructive to European honeybees, damaging honey and pollen stores, as well as cappings within the hive. The larvae of small hive beetles are the culprit behind most of the damage, infesting colonies in large numbers and causing fermentation through the release of a chemical compound called isoamyl acetate. This fermentation process results in the destruction of brood and food stores, eventually leading to colony collapse. Small hive beetles are known for their ability to trick honeybees into feeding them by vibrating their antennae against the bees' mandibles. However, there are tactics and treatments available to manage and control small hive beetle infestations.

Who Let the Beetles In? Examining the Entry and Behavior

Small hive beetles can enter bee colonies through various means, including when frames or hives are added, exchanged, or removed. Crevices and cracks within frames, hives, or supers can also serve as hiding spots for beetles. It is crucial to maintain good apiary practices to minimize the risk of small hive beetle infestations. This includes using new frames and hives, removing damaged or rotten comb, and limiting the addition of frames or supers to what the colony can handle. Exposing hives to sunlight can also help repel beetles, although it may temporarily agitate the bees. Additionally, nucleus colonies or weak colonies should only be given as much additional space as needed to avoid creating unpatrolled areas for the beetles.

Lights Out for the Beetles: Control and Treatment Methods

There are various treatment options available for managing small hive beetle infestations. Chemical-based treatments include products like Checkmite and Guard Star. Checkmite, which contains 10 comaphos, can be used for both varroa mite control and small hive beetles. Guard Star, on the other hand, uses a 40 permethrin concentration to treat bee colonies. While chemical treatments can be effective, they come with drawbacks such as high costs, environmental contamination risks, and the potential for residues in hive products.

An alternative approach is the use of organic-based treatments. Attractants like apple cider vinegar, mango puree with boric acid, cantaloupe puree with boric acid, yeast, and beer can be used in traps to lure and capture small hive beetles. Diatomaceous earth, a natural substance that causes dehydration in insects, can be sprinkled near hives to repel beetles. Nematodes, specifically entomopathogenic nematodes, can act as parasites in the gut of the beetles, effectively killing them.

A Tale of Seven Treatments: Research Findings

In a research study, seven organic and inexpensive small hive beetle treatments were tested: apple cider vinegar, mango puree with boric acid, cantaloupe puree with boric acid, yeast, peanut oil, grapeseed oil, and beer. The study aimed to assess the effectiveness of these treatments in capturing small hive beetles. The results showed that beer was the most effective treatment, capturing 33 times more beetles than apple cider vinegar. Moreover, beer was more affordable and readily available. Further research was conducted to develop a concentrated chemical solution based on beer's composition. This oil blend treatment proved to be even more effective, capturing five times more beetles than beer itself, and at half the cost.

Putting the Findings to Use: Implementation and Best Practices

Beekeepers can apply the findings of the research by using beer as an attractant in in-hive traps, such as the beetle blaster trap, throughout their apiaries. Beer has been proven effective, affordable, and harmless to bees. Good apiary practices, including cleanliness and proper sunlight exposure, can help reduce the risk of small hive beetle infestations. It is essential to maintain hive hygiene, avoid introducing beetle eggs when exchanging or adding frames, and extract honey promptly to prevent beetles from damaging the wax cappings.

In conclusion, managing small hive beetles requires a combination of good apiary practices and effective treatments. While chemical-based treatments can show fast results, organic-based treatments like beer have proven to be cost-effective and environmentally friendly alternatives. By implementing these strategies, beekeepers can minimize the negative impact of small hive beetles on their colonies and maintain healthy and thriving honeybee populations.

Highlights

• Small hive beetles (Athena tamita) are a destructive pest in the beekeeping industry, causing damage to honey and pollen stores.
• The larvae of small hive beetles are the main cause of damage in colonies, infesting in large numbers and causing fermentation.
• Good apiary practices such as cleanliness, sunlight exposure, and careful comb handling can help prevent small hive beetle infestations.
• Chemical-based treatments like Checkmite and Guard Star can effectively control small hive beetles but come with risks of environmental contamination.
• Organic-based treatments such as attractants, traps, diatomaceous earth, and nematodes offer alternative and environmentally friendly options.
• Research findings suggest that beer is a highly effective and affordable treatment option for capturing small hive beetles.
• Implementing good apiary practices and using bee-friendly treatments can effectively manage small hive beetle populations and ensure colony health.

FAQ

Q: How can I prevent small hive beetle infestations in my bee colonies? A: Good apiary practices are essential for preventing small hive beetle infestations. This includes maintaining cleanliness, avoiding the use of damaged comb, limiting the addition of frames or supers, and providing adequate sunlight exposure.

Q: Are organic treatments as effective as chemical treatments for small hive beetles? A: Organic treatments, such as beer and attractants, have shown to be highly effective in capturing small hive beetles. While chemical treatments may provide fast results, organic treatments offer affordability and environmental friendliness.

Q: Can beer harm honeybees? A: No, beer has been proven harmless to honeybees. It can be used as an attractant in in-hive traps without any adverse effects on the bees.

Q: How often should I monitor my bee colonies for small hive beetle infestations? A: Regular monitoring is recommended to catch any signs of small hive beetle infestations early. Depending on the region and conditions, monitoring every 1-2 weeks can help detect and manage infestations promptly.

Q: Where can I find more resources on small hive beetle management? A: The UF Honeybee Lab website (www.ufhoneybee.com) offers various resources on small hive beetle biology, treatments, and beekeeping practices. Additionally, the provided PDFs on small hive beetle biology can provide further information on the topic.