Getting Rid of Small Hive Beetles

[@retrobryon8586]

Keep up the good work buddy. Congrats on the subscribers, you're moving up

[@ralphwhite759]

Good to hear from you! Thanks man.

[@BrooklandsHoneyBees]

Great video, I am so Lucky not to have SHB but find it so interesting seeing how you guys sort them. Thanks and have a great day :)

[@ralphwhite759]

You are fortunate not to have them. If they overrun a hive they make a mess. Thank you for the comment!

[@horizontalbees]

I hate small hive beetles 🪲!! Thanks for the tips.

[@ralphwhite759]

You're welcome! Not sure how bad they are there but here they cause some havoc.

[@dianem4159]

Thanks from Delaware. May try this!!

[@ralphwhite759]

Hi Diane from Delaware! Let me know how it works out!

[@TennesseeMountainBees]

Just found your channel and subbed! Thanks for the info!

[@ralphwhite759]

Thank you so much!

[@CastleHives]

Heya. . New here. KZbin every now and then suggests other Beekeepers. .

[@ralphwhite759]

Thank you for joining! It is great to see you here!

[@SA-xj1cs]

Hi, thanks for the info. What are the metal runners that the hive box sits on?

[@ralphwhite759]

The runners are parts of shelves that came from a Best Buy that was remodeling. Here is an old video where I showed my various hive stands.

[@dwren4554]

Hi, I’m a new beekeeper in Polk County, Fl and in a couple days after setting up my hive with some drawn comb frames I already see a few beetles. Do you still see success with the beetle grease.? I’ve now got traps installed and I have also built a top bar hive. Really like seeing a well populated top bar hive.

[@ralphwhite759]

Hi D. I have had success with the beetle grease putting on consistently. Beetles are really bad during the hot months. The little bit of winter we have here cuts down the numbers. You guys are warmer there so I'm not sure if you have to apply year round or not. Keep us updated on how they are doing. Top bars are really nice to see full. I have some that have been bearding that I probably need to harvest some honey from to free up some room.

[@dillydanny-o8807]

What would happen if the paste is near the honey bars, especially for a top bar hive? Does it impact the honey flavor/edibility? Thanks!

[@ralphwhite759]

I have heard of the bees storing it which could lead to cloudy honey.

[@downunderfulla6001]

Interesting thanks 🍺🍺

[@ralphwhite759]

Thank you!

[@CastleHives]

Hey Bradley .

[@downunderfulla6001]

Gidday Brian

[@CastleHives]

@@downunderfulla6001 I find new people, you're still first. . Lol

[@downunderfulla6001]

@@CastleHives thanks Brian 👍👍

[@JeffJudd]

Good video on SHB. SHB is rampant in Hawaii. I’m trying many different ways to fight SHB. Does your grease mixture kill or drive out the beetles?

[@ralphwhite759]

Thanks Jeff! The mixture is a repellent that works really well while not harming the bees. It has been a while since I did that video so I apologize I don't remember exactly what I said. Here are a few things to keep in mind. The wintergreen essential oil is the main ingredient in the paste. It can over time lose its potency. I'm not sure if you are familiar with essential oils. Even the light plays a role which is why the bottles of essential oil are usually dark (I have heard). I usually try to only mix up a few weeks worth. The honey and sugar make the bees want to move it around to various parts of the hive. I think this dissemination is a key point. Beetles love those hard to reach spots to hide in but the bees have the whole hive smelling like the mint. At least the beetles must be able to smell it. My bee club got it from a website I can't remember the name of or I would pass it on. I recommend doing a study and applying on a hive or two first. The Crisco gives it substance. When it gets hot it will melt so reapplication will be needed more during extreme heat. I hope this helps!

[@queenbee4115]

@@ralphwhite759 Good to hear back from you. I will make up a batch this week and give it a go. Beetles are a huge problem here and as you know relentless in their pursuit to slime out a hive. I have been doing bees for 45 years and always good to learn and try something new. We have a mite problem here also and I have used a 3:1 ratio of Amatraz and Canola oil and wring out 1/2 sheet shop towel soaked in the mixture and lay it across the brood frames. Mites drop dead and no ill effects on rest of hive. I learned this years from a friend who owned Kona Queen across the island. Jeff

[@amirulmolla296]

আমাদের ভারতের মৌখামার খামারে এই পোকা লেগেছে কি ঔষধ আছে বলবেন

[@evonnewhalen9794]

How does it keep the beetles under control? If it keeps beetles away wouldn't you want to put it at the entrance?

[@ralphwhite759]

From what I have seen and heard the bees eat the paste and spread it around the hive including the essential oil. The beetles don't like it so either don't go in the hive or dont stay. I have never heard of anyone putting it at the entrance. I would assume it would have a similar impact of the bees eating it. I just wouldn't want it to impede bringing in nectar and pollen. Thank you for the commment. I hope that answered your question.

[@steliandone4078]

If you put it at the entrance the essential oils attract other bees and it is good recipe for robbing. Nobody wants that no?

[@armorup9483]

(Personal testimony) The honey Ralph’s hives have produced is the best honey I’ve ever had! Whatever he’s doing works.

[@ralphwhite759]

I call it "taxing the bees"😂

[@blackberry5908]

will you use it in a honey flow ?

[@ralphwhite759]

I would not use it during a flow. I have heard bees may store it in the honey. In the office season or nucs it works well. Thank you for the comment!

[@mikeoxlong3224]

Let's not forget but if u have hive beetles it means your hive is week and needs less space. All this is just fluff

[@ralphwhite759]

True for the most part during the nectar flow. During our summer dearth when it is miserably hot and the bee population decreases in the hive dramatically the beetle population ramps up. A person can and should mitigate space in the hive, but it is hard depending on the number of hives as well as "life happening". Where I am at, we take off honey in June. July and August is a dearth. When we take honey off I like to access how small to consolidate the hive. Thanks Mike!