“This research was designed to identify key compounds that would attract small hive beetles, develop an edible bait using those compounds and if the diet would be consumed by the beetle, determine the lethal dose with the lowest amount of toxicant, and the effects the toxicant would have on the honey bee.”
Testing Observation
In laboratory trials, the treatments containing the attract-and-kill with low boric acid concentration reduced the beetle population to zero within a few days.
Insecticide used
The control method employs attracting the beetles to a low-profile in-hive trap with a feeding attractant/stimulant where a toxicant is delivered by consuming an edible bait. Investigations into mild insecticides led to the use of boric acid. At low doses, boric acid is non-toxic to humans but lethal to insects.
Conclusion
“This in-hive low-cost control measure far surpasses the replacement cost of an entire hive. If the small hive beetle is present within an apiary, there is a good chance that every hive at that location is infested. Additionally, the placement of the attract-and-kill as a preventative measure within every hive will ensure all hives are protected. This technology will offer beekeepers a method of control for the small hive beetle that is affecting this agricultural commodity throughout the world.”
The placement of a low-profile trap that excludes the honeybee from entering would be
the best delivery method. A commercially manufactured plastic trap that is pre-baited
is the end goal of this research. This control measure, in conjunction with cultural practices,
may offer relief from this invasive pest.
Source
Center for Medical, Agricultural and Veterinary Entomology, USDA-ARS; Dr. Charles J. STUHL; Apidologie (2020) 51:428–435
I placed 3 SHB beetlebarn traps in my beehive a week ago.
Today when I removed the lid I found about 10 SHB congregated in a corner on top of the top board. I had a baited trap in the opposite corner.
I opened the trap and found that about 20% of the bait had been consumed. I didn’t find any dead SHBs in the hive which consists of three deeps. The two other traps in the hive were also consumed to some degree and one trap had two of its openings propelized.
Should I be finding dead SHBs in the hive? How do I know if this method is working?
Hi Sean, thanks for writing with your concerns.
I have noticed that when it is cold the hive beetles have more of a tendency to die in the traps than when the weather is hot as it is now. I imagine this is due to the increased activity level of the beetles in hot weather. The bees will naturally corral the hive beetles into the corners and nooks of the hive as you have discovered. Unfortunately, the baited traps will not kill every hive beetle so if I find a congregation of beetles when opening the hive I will use my hive tool to smash them.
You may not find the dead hive beetles in the hive because the bees will carry them out and discard them. The baited traps work mostly as a preventative to keep the hive from being overwhelmed with beetles. If the beetles are consuming the bait in even small amounts it will kill them.
The bees will propolize the openings of the baited traps over time, this is normal. Each time I inspect a hive I will check the traps and remove the propolis from the openings with my hive tool – about every two weeks.
I hope these tips are helpful. Please let me know if you have any other questions and I will be happy to answer.