Controlling Small Hive Beetles With Beneficial Nematodes (With Link To Purchase)

[@realcarguys]

I read about studies done by the University of Georgia that indicated that the mortality rate of Small Hive Beetles was 88 - 94% after one application of Hi nematodes. This is a great product, just wish more beekeepers were aware of this solution!!

[@JCsBees]

You must be referring to this study academic.oup.com/jee/article-abstract/103/1/1/2199356 (Thought I'd share it here maybe more people will see it)

[@ShortBeakBudapest]

Jason. This is a brilliant approach. I did see your videos on the tube entrances. I am lucky that I don’t have a big problem with hive beetles in NJ. All of my hives are in full sun except one. I have found some beetles caught in the beetle buster oil traps. I saw one of the other comments on using salt to kill the plants. You will kill the plants but it will kill the nematodes too. There is another approach to killing larvae used for Japanese beetle larvae to help eliminate moles. The larvae is their food source. I think it is milky spore. Not sure if that would kill the hive beetle larvae but it is applied the same way. Thanks.

[@ronlemon8651]

Going to try this.

[@bobbybighoof]

Great video Jason will add those little guys to the soil here to start to combat it as a preventive measure very soon.

[@5hivesohio]

Thanks Jason! Another tool in the SHB battle. I'll definitely give it a try.

[@michelelamantia5508]

Thank you again for this very helpful video.

[@JCsBees]

Glad it was helpful!

[@iceddevil205]

Really hope it works out for you, I know you've been struggling with these bastards for a long time now. Thanks for another great informative video, I know a couple other beekeepers fighting this, I'll spread the word of your video....cant wait to see if it works....keep us posted!!

[@JCsBees]

Yes, they have been a pest I wish to no longer deal with. I only wish there was a nematode that controlled varroa mites, wouldn't that be amazing to not have to treat for mites? Thanks for spreading the word.

[@iceddevil205]

@@JCsBees That would be a huge blessing for beekeepers, but ya know, i often wonder if there is a treatment to get rid of them BUT, the companies that sell mite treatments would stand to lose an awful lot of money....with all the technology in the world.....kinda makes you wonder. I've tried HopGuard for the first time this year.....heard good and bad...we'll see.

[@MrFHLH]

Sounds a great way to keep these beetles in check, good luck, look forward to hearing how you get on.

[@JCsBees]

Thanks, will do!

[@MrFHLH]

@@JCsBees Good lad

[@marytoal5184]

I will try this soon - I have been using a battery operated shop vac with small tube to suck them up when going thru hive - is fun but best done with helper and a few bees are sacrificed - the bees do seem more calm after I decrease the beetle population

[@badassbees3680]

Those sbb drive you crazy lol get em Jason! Good Job btw.

[@JCsBees]

You know they do. lol

[@houstonsheltonbees814]

Thanks for the link man👍

[@JCsBees]

No problem 👍

[@JBEESHoneyJoelBrutcher]

Not sure if this made a difference but last year to fight Japanese beetles I put Milky Spore on my yard. Have to say hardly any SHB or Japanese beetles this year. Might add the Nemo toad to the arsenal.

[@JCsBees]

Interesting. Thanks for sharing the tip!

[@billiamc1969]

Beetles only lay eggs in pollen, not honey, as the larva need the protein to pupate. It was a wetter summer than most others which means there are many more beetles in our colonies, but the bees don't have a problem keeping them in control...I suggest a weak colony will have major problems keeping the beetles from laying eggs all over but strong populous colonies don't have these kinds of problems. I have tried nematodes and they dont seem to have much of an effect since beetles can travel long distances to find colonies to hide in. THUMBS UP

[@JCsBees]

@BeeFriendlyApiary You raise some good points but not all colonies are strong all the time. Take splits for instance, these colonies start off weak. I don't know your experience with shb but I went 10 years without ever seeing one, It was nice and I truly believe I can get back to that point but it gonna take a lot of work and the nematodes are just a stepping stone to get there. I have and believe a lot of beekeepers have bad habits like not keeps scrap pieces of comb cleaned up from the bee yard or not keeping hives sealed tight, these things attract beetles from a distance. If there is nothing to attract them then after you control the local population in theory a person could pull ahead. One thing I think I have working against me is I have my solar wax melter in my nuc yard but that's about to change.

[@realcarguys]

Many beekeepers face this problem. I would say a vast majority depending on many different variables. For strong colonies this may not have much of an effect. I will say the more SHB in your hive, the more it costs the beekeeper in yield losses.

[@beesandtractors]

Great video Jason. I hope it works!! Finally a use for nematodes!😆

[@MaryMillerSpoolhardyGirl]

Really interesting! Hives beetles weren’t much of a problem the first couple years, but as time goes on they seem to be more and more numerous, even in my stronger hives. I am definitely going to try nematodes. I think I might put some around my Linden trees as well and see if they help with the Japanese beetles. Jason, do you think I should wait and do the first application in the Spring and then follow up next Fall, or is is OK to start this year?

[@JCsBees]

It is interesting, I wish I would have looked into this option years ago. I like your plan of applying around hives and Linden trees to combat 2 different beetles. As far as when to apply, I just applied mine a couple weeks ago. I figured if I want to pull ahead of the beetles I am probably best to start asap. I will follow up in the spring with another application. Hope this helps.

[@BlanchardsBees]

Well all bee dang. Interesting.

[@t.vineis5825]

When do you add nematodes to the soil I’m in West Chester PA. Thanks! O and great videos by the way! Love your channel!

[@JCsBees]

@T. Vineis I'd wait a little bit longer they don't handle cold weather very well. I will be doing a video on when to add to soil very soon so keep following my channel.

[@hootervillehoneybees8664]

Interesting ..

[@namentatic4978]

I think that you need to apply on 6 feet radius around the hive. Please keep us informed how does it work. I'm searching about it now.

[@realcarguys]

Studies of SHB larvae leaving hives indicated that about 82% are within 24” of the hive and nearly 100% are within 36”. I would say that this may not be necessary, but I suppose it could slightly vary from hive to hive.

[@jarnold8803]

Phil Chandler has built a hive incorporating an eco floor with the nematode. Here in Texas the ground is harder than concrete. What is your opinion. Thanks North Texas

[@tommac8602]

Hot and dry temps here in central Texas. Some say their bees bake when in full sun. What about spotty shade.

[@kchedville]

I have just one Hive of Honey Bees, they are about 30 inches off the ground on a solid made Table with the legs being made from 4x4 Treated Lumber, on the ground all around the Hive i have a 8x10ft area that is covered with Black Roofing Tar Paper. Would the ground under the Tar Paper be a good place for Nematodes or a not so good place for Hive Beetles to spawn? I might like to give the Nematodes a go if the area under the Tar Paper is a good place for them.

[@5hivesohio]

Jason, the more I noodles this over in my brain last night, the more radical the ideas became. We are so conditioned to create environments under our beehives that help avoid pests. I wonder if we change up a bit and created the perfect environment for nematodes under our hives if the results wouldn’t compound dramatically? I may grab a few hives off to the side and give this a try after some more research.

[@JCsBees]

Eric, Glad to hear I got you thinking. I like your idea of creating a perfect enviroment under our hive for nematodes but I am not 100% sure what that would be. Nematodes will do best in damp sandy soils but so will shb so with that what are you thinking?

[@JCsBees]

Here's a study of the effectiveness of the nematodes academic.oup.com/jee/article-abstract/103/1/1/2199356

[@5hivesohio]

Jason Chrisman, my thought was wouldn’t it be great if we could not worry about other factors like full sun, no mulch and everything else we do to control SHB, except my Guardian Entrances. (Need Those! 🙂) I’d like to try an experiment to see if that beautiful spot in the shade under that big Oak tree would become viable if we created a mega environment for nematodes under the hive. I guess I’d just like to see how far we could push the limits with this new tool if it were used to its max capacity.

[@realcarguys]

@@5hivesohio I agree

[@Chris-yo4ks]

Is this the first time to use the nematoes? Have you noticed a difference in the number of SHB? do the nematodes survive the winter? What time of year is best to inoculate the ground? I have heard of using them for SHB....but cant seem to find anyone that has used them.......or best practices in their use.

[@JCsBees]

This is my first attempt using them but I am hearing nothing but good things. My blog answers the rest of your questions jcsbeeblog.blogspot.com/2020/09/hindica-heterorhabditis-indica-nematodes.html

[@rstlr01]

Was there any noticeable difference having the tube entrance on the Hives? As far as SHB infestation.

[@JCsBees]

Yes, the difference was huge. The issue is once the colonies get strong the population get to be too much for the tubing. At least the small tubing I used.

[@donaldsmith3048]

The Nematodes I got didn't come in a jel. It look almost like a power in a pack with cold packs, to keep them cool in shipping. I mixed with a little water then put in hose end sprayer and just kind of watered the area good. I had a bad ant problem before treating and soon after treating I didn't have any ants. The Nematodes live in the water in the ground and I have had a bad dry time and have had some ants coming back so I will just treat my yard again. Not all Nematodes kill all the bad things. Different Nematodes do different things. The Nematodes I used were for garden pests, ants, grubs and that kind of thing. But they do work by going into the bug and laying there eggs. This makes more Nematodes and kills the bug. They are microscopic, you can't see them! But I saw what they did. Ants are a big problem around animals feed! They fixed it. What I used for ants my or may not work for your needs. Check with the supplier for what kills what you need killed.

[@bee-u-tifuladventures4771]

Great idea! Thanks for sharing. It will be interesting to see how this works over time. Awhile back, you did a video experimenting with sumac blossoms in your smoker for controlling small hive beetles. Did you ever get a chance to do a follow up video with the results of the test? If so, I must have missed it. If you or someone could post the link to the results video, I'd be interested in seeing it. As always, thanks for taking the time to produce, edit and share the information with us. Happy Beekeeping from southern Indiana. :-)

[@JCsBees]

The video you are asking about never got completed. The issue was I could not for the life of me find any sumac to use for the testing. For some reason my sumac trees never bloomed last year but this year they did. I'll get to the sumac test next season. Sorry!

[@eberntson]

Is there a version of BT (Bacillus thuringiensis) that kills SHB?

[@seedsandarrowsfrontier9224]

Great video, Keep us updated. Did you count them to make sure you got your 5 million? JK

[@JCsBees]

Thanks. I was hoping they counted them correctly before they were shipped. lol

[@louisherzog6920]

Would it be helpful to treat an area where you intend to place a hive as a preventive measure, or is that treatment recommended for hives with a current infestation?

[@JCsBees]

I think this could be a great way of taking control before you get you bees. Good thinking!

[@familyhearingandbalancecen9777]

Very very interesting! Where do you recommend getting them?

[@JCsBees]

Links in video descriptions. :)

[@familyhearingandbalancecen9777]

Jason Chrisman thank you Jason! I sent the question earlier in your video and saw later the information. Love your work and need to get a T-shirt on order.

[@TheBguenth]

Jason, I lost all of my hives last year to SHB so I am planning to try this method. I have 2 packages of bees coming in a week. When do I need to start the nematodes and is it just a one time thing? Thanks

[@JCsBees]

Where are you located? If your in an area where it's staying above 50°F at night than yes you can apply them now.

[@TheBguenth]

@@JCsBees I’m in west central Alabama and it will start being above 50 by the time I get my bees in a week or so. Thx!!

[@TheBguenth]

@@JCsBees another question about Oxalic. Acid vaporizer treatment. How do you treat when you have screened bottom boards? Do you have a video?

[@BlanchardsBees]

Hey Jason I have some comb that has some minor SHB larvae damage. Can I still use that comb or no?

[@janiceseigler6317]

I would freeze the comb for at least three days.

[@JCsBees]

I agree with Janice, freeze them for at least 24 hours first.

[@MrDonLove74]

I'm sorry to ask... but I do not see a link to try this. Was it removed? Didn't work?

[@JCsBees]

@Don Love Thanks for letting me know, I am not sure why or how it got removed. Here's the link jcsbeeblog.blogspot.com/2020/09/hindica-heterorhabditis-indica-nematodes.html

[@RippleAffect]

THEY ARE MY MORTAL ENEMY 👊🏻👊🏻👊🏻👊🏻👊🏻👊🏻👊🏻👊🏻👊🏻

[@nandisaand5287]

What's going on with Grazing Acres, JC? No vids all summer.

[@JCsBees]

The Issue is time. Between all of my daily duties I just haven't had time but I do need to set time aside and make one. Sorry I have let you down, I'll see what I can do.

[@marzisharifi9491]

We have ants problems all the time around the hives and lost few because of ants invasion.do you have any solution or suggestion?

[@jarnold8803]

Cinnamon

[@elainemycraftyhenhouse6155]

Hi Jason - I have a lot of flowering trees, bushes and plants on the property. A few are showing signs of mold, bug or mite damage. What can I spray them with. Before I had my bees I used Neem Oil, however, the label says it is harmful to the bees and may detour them from our flowers. I'm in south Florida. (If you received a alert from me...Sorry I attempt to contact you from what I thought was a email link, I am not a business ;)

[@JCsBees]

@The Crafty Hen House Hello, Let me ask a friend that lives in Florida and keeps bees and see what he suggest, I will get back to you.

[@JCsBees]

Ok so here is what my friend suggested, I hope it helps... "She can still use Neem oil as well as B.T (Bacillus thuringiensis) They are both "mildly toxic" to honeybees. The key to safe usage is to tell her to ensure she only uses those sprays at or around sunset. By morning, the oils will have dissipated Obviously, if she can opt to not spray if the plant is blooming, that would be ideal Otherwise, a horticultural soap may suffice (but could be a bit more difficult to locate for purchase)"

[@elainemycraftyhenhouse6155]

@@JCsBees THANK YOU so much! You're the greatest!

[@99slacker999999999]

Just ordered 1 pack. Can't wait to put those 5 MILLLLLLLION critters to work! With shipping and tax it works out to 1,316 nematodes for a penny.

[@JCsBees]

@99slacker999999999 That's great! Keep me posted on your thoughts if you would. Thanks!

[@curtisbeers9383]

How frequently does this need to be applied?

[@billiamc1969]

Every time it rains...

[@JCsBees]

@Curtis Beers It's recommended you apply it twice a year, once in the spring and again in the fall. Not every time it rains that would be insane. lol

[@downunderfulla6001]

Interesting, hopefully it will help🍺🍺

[@mizdaphnarose]

Will these nematodes also control fleas?

[@JCsBees]

No, this strain of nematodes will not work to control fleas. Sorry!

[@ambertracks]

pet and live stock safe ?

[@JCsBees]

Sure is safe for them, I mentioned that in the video........ Did someone not watch the whole video before asking this question? lol

[@SergeantMajorH]

bees are livestock

[@ambertracks]

@@JCsBees short memory haha, ty , i see that on their website too, GBY

[@ambertracks]

@@SergeantMajorH never thought of them like that but yea they sure are, ty , GBY

[@SergeantMajorH]

@@ambertracks You can get a farm ID number and become tax exempt in your state. I bought a $20K Honda SxS tax free for my farm, and the 16' trailer I brought it home on.

[@lorindarenteria]

Could pour salt water under the hives to kill grass and everything in it.

[@JCsBees]

You could but I doubt it would be helpful at all so why harm the soil?

[@realcarguys]

The use of this product creates an heavy concentration of beneficial nematodes that will live and reproduce under and around the hive to effectively control Small Hive Beetle populations. This is more of a self sustaining treatment as opposed to constantly having to monitor your hives with salt water (if this method even works).

[@lorindarenteria]

@@JCsBees Kelly bees recommends putting granulated salt on the ground under hives. From their page: Q: My hive is infested with Small Hive Beetle. What should I do? A: We recommend that you install either Beetle Jails (item number 56-JA) or Beetle Blasters (item number 56-B) in the hive, two jails or blasters per brood box. Then spread granulated salt on the ground underneath and around the hive.

[@ivanpeachey6997]

Did anybody try landscaping paper under their hives so the hive beetles cant go in the soil??

[@watchtower4870]

I have made a “mote” around each hive stand with cheap oil pans. The hive stand rests on a brick up out of the vegetable oil that I poor into each oil pan. Just enough to cover the bottom. Though it’s not an “end all, be all” it does help. Here in the South. The ground is hard and is rock hard clay. I will try this also. Because here SHB are more of a problem than mites. In my war with SHB I’m going for total genocide in my yard. Lol!

[@cornbreadbees5385]

How long does this application last

[@JCsBees]

You should apply it twice a year. Once in the spring and a follow-up in the fall. jcsbeeblog.blogspot.com/2020/09/hindica-heterorhabditis-indica-nematodes.html

[@RippleAffect]

WHAT SUCCESS DID YOU HAVE WITH THEM?

[@JCsBees]

This is my first attempt using them but I have heard great reviews.

[@RippleAffect]

@@JCsBees great I'd like to hear your results👍🏻

[@georgk4207]

Here in Europe we have to dig the earth a meter deep and bring it to the stoves in bags and let it burn according to the instructions of the authorities that strictly supervise everything .

[@JCsBees]

Wow that seems like a lot of work. I would love to read more about this, do you know of any links that explain the process?

[@georgk4207]

@@JCsBees i have information from bee institutes unfortunately not the thermal combustion that is explained in wikipedia.de (kleiner Beutenkäfer) that the beetle could develop a resistance to the agents and therefore the thermal treatment.I am putting the references to the bee institutes in unfortunately in German hope google can help you further www.lwg.bayern.de/bienen/krankheiten/090133/ www.lwg.bayern.de/mam/cms06/bienen/dateien/kleiner_beutenk%C3%A4fer_und_tropilaelapsmilben.pdf www.openagrar.de/servlets/MCRFileNodeServlet/openagrar_derivate_00002685/Schaefer-Bekaempfungskonzept_22-05-2017.pdf I know it be many work now to translate gretting Georg

[@Hawkins_Family]

I’m curious of how to measure the effectiveness and how long will it take. I know less hive beetles will be the proof, but it could be due to other factors such as weather. Either way, as long as it’s less beetles who cares!

[@JCsBees]

@Jeff Roberts Yes, the nematodes do reproduce once they find food sources (aka shb's). Any issues regarding them would most likely be due to the soil type or your region being too dry. Like I said, in the video I am in a dry area through the summer but spring and fall are damp. If I can knock back the population of shb's at the beginning and end of season with the nematodes and pull ahead it will all be worth it. And I did mention to apply after a rain. Thanks for watching!

[@nobodyhere4667]

Bad luck stirring with a knife- you are "stirring up trouble" as the folklore goes. :)

[@JCsBees]

@Nobody Here I did not know that! Interesting. I better change my ways I guess. Problem is I use my knife for everything. lol

[@eddevault4604]

Interesting.....I just wonder how effective it could be ....lots of gimmicks in this world today....gives us an update for a few years....

[@JCsBees]

Gimmick, huh? I would consider all the beetle traps on the market more of a gimmick than using nematodes to control them. I've tried nearly every trap they make for beetles and some never caught one beetle (complete waste of time and money). I guess if your just hearing about nematodes it could sounds fishy but it makes complete since to me using a nature predator to control them. Have you ever heard of predator wasp? They sell these to farmers to help control the fly population on farms. These wasp will hunt down and kill flies. I've never used them because they are expensive but have heard only great things about them. I consider the nematodes to be the same approach to controlling shb's.

[@eddevault4604]

Great.....anything is worth a try....I am for anything that works too....and like you...I have bought a lot of false advertising too....let us know your findings....