Honeybees and Hive Beetles | How I Beat Beetles

I see a lot of beekeepers regularly, and asking me regularly, what can we do about small hive beetles. It's a frequent and valid question. And I know I asked it early on and later in my beekeeping adventure. Well, all I can do is show you how I combat the small hive beetles and I have to say, you might be very disappointed when you find out. Let's go out to a few hives and see if I can explain.
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Thanks for joining me in my bee yard here in Louisiana as I share how I maintain my beehives. My videos are not meant to be 'How To' videos, but simply me sharing my experiences in beekeeping as I learned it from my mentors, teachers, and studies.
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[@BugFarmerBees]

Thank you for the mention Mike.

[@MikeBarryBees]

I’m going to take it out this next video I make so I can show the action this time. I just grabbed it and went out and when I went to use it, ugh!!

[@rickwade959]

I have a similar vacuum after watching the Bug Farmer video, it works great on Layens hives. I was catching between 50-300 per day in each of my hives his summer and finally reduced the population of beetles to where now I’m catching 20-30 per week. For a hobbyist beekeeper, the vacuum is the answer.

[@MikeBarryBees]

I think it'll work good for me too when I see them. I just need to be sure it's ready to go at all times. I haven't seen a lot lately, but they're bound to pick up as we get into fall and they peak. Thanks for watching Rick!!

[@brucesbees]

Very good video Mike. The more I do bees the more I agree with your philosophy on hive beetles and strong hives.

[@brucesbees]

Recovery sent me some stuff too. I need to remember to try it out.

[@MikeBarryBees]

Thanks Bruce. I just don't have a ton of time and patience for traps and remedies if I am able to let the bees do it. If they can do it, I figure let's enable them and hand the work off to them.

[@lindagray5857]

The bug farmer vacuum works great. My husband made one for me, but you have to keep it charged. So satisfying to suck them up, but time consuming.

[@MikeBarryBees]

It was charged after all but I didn't push the on button long enough. Weird feature of that vac. Why not just off and on? Anyhow, hope to use it next time out after the storm.

[@timbervalleyhomestead]

I absolutely love the idea of push in cages for the queen cells! That’s so smart!

[@MikeBarryBees]

I know. Think of having ten queen cells after a walk away split. You can catch all 10 queens and go make more splits. Great idea.

[@BrianCooper901]

I also got a vacuum like Big Farmers after watching his video. I didn’t modify it and it still works great. I have a video of catching 250 in one hive and there was no damage from them in the hive (yet) but I have seen a massive reduction in numbers this year. I like that you can suck them out if the cells they hide in which I couldn’t smash them. Thanks for sharing! Those products looked neat!

[@MikeBarryBees]

Good deal Brian. Thanks for the comment and sharing your experience with the vac!! I hope to use it and really see what it can do.

[@phpnotasp]

I just want to comment on your excellent usage of a microphone, and cameras. Too many YTers rely on their far-away camera mic, but yours is super clear.

[@MikeBarryBees]

Thanks, that means a lot!! I don't always have the best audio, but I strive to have at least good audio and I appreciate the comment.

[@rpeebles]

Thanks for posting this Mike! I know it takes a ton of time to make these videos and we do love watching them. On the beetle traps, we tried to design them as flat as possible because we don't want beetles getting under the lips like you mentioned. Downside is they can really glue them down so when you go to pry them up you have to take your time because the plastic is not super flexible. The entrance reducer comes with a small slider so you can reduce even more...some people like that option. I prefer to screw mine to the box because I just cant push a pin into the pine! Thank you again Mike and look forward to seeing you at Bee Expo 2025!

[@MikeBarryBees]

Thanks for the instruction and explanation Robert!! I really like the items and I forgot to bring the entrance reducers out in the latest video I shot a couple days ago. But they're going on in the fall and I thought about the screws. I'll be sure to be careful prying the traps up and I'll mention that if I've got the camera out there. They are so nice and flush. That was half the problems with the knock-offs. They would go under because they sat way worse than the beetle blasters. I'm looking forward to check them after this storm passes. Thanks again!!! You sure snuck those cell cages in on me, but I'm going to try them if I get any rogue cells.

[@rpeebles]

@@MikeBarryBees I will have to hook you up with some of my new Sponge Boxes...they have been a bit in demand lately though. :)

[@redfish440]

You never disappoint Mike, thank you!

[@MikeBarryBees]

Thanks Brother!!

[@noahG82]

Hey Mike, watching that storm coming into the coast I will be thinking bout yall down there!!! Stay safe! Thanks for the video sir!

[@MikeBarryBees]

Thanks so much!! Have to keep an eye on the track right now. Should be a mild one though…I hope anyhow.

[@randyhahn3346]

Mike I do like your videos. I am up in Iowa so the SHB are not as prevelant. But they are here and I have seen them slime out hives. I have a 3 pronged approach that does work. You already use the diatomaceous earth, in the ground where SHB larvae would drop. Mineral oil trap just like you do. Peppermint OIL. 100% pure. I dilute 50% w w another oil, I use sesame, put a couple drops in the 4 corners of brood box when you are in them. Forget the candy. Oil on wood in corners lasts a long time and it prevents the beetles from even coming in. Since adding the Peppermint oil my oil traps in the brood boxes stay empty for months. Try it on a few of your hives.

[@MikeBarryBees]

I was hearing someone else mention the pure peppermint oil. I already do ground treatments and such, but have been remiss this year since we really haven't seen them as bad as normal. I have a buddy wanting me to try the oil in the corners too. Thanks for sharing your insight!! I'll have to give it a try.

[@flowerstreetfarmbees]

Thanks Mike! I like those sliding entrance reducers and queen cell cages!

[@MikeBarryBees]

You're welcome Brian and thanks for the support!! I like his gadgets. Really nice stuff and well thought out.

[@flowerstreetfarmbees]

@@MikeBarryBees stay safe through the storm!

[@bligon11]

Not disappointed at all! I took off supers to keep everything guarded. I use beetle jails!

[@MikeBarryBees]

Good deal!! I believe we do a lot more than we think relieving the bees of guarding extra real estate. Thanks for watching!!

[@rtxhoneybees]

Great info about colony strength. Using a traditional inner cover with the hole is an advantage. Bees tend to run the beetles to the top and they are exposed for squashing when you open the lid. Using double bubble has the opposite effect. I guess they cant grip the slick surface and they scurry down into the frames when you pull them up. Steve Dennis, steves outdoor world, is testing a beetle grease. Its looking pretty promising so far. It uses wintergreen as a deterent. Im not comfortable feeding my bees diatomaceous earth (murder sauce). My first reaction to the beetle grease was that it is too messy but seeing how the bees clean it up has peeked my interest. Take care Mike.

[@MikeBarryBees]

Interesting observation on the double bubble. Is that the reflective stuff? If so, I don't really get the use of it here in the south, but I also never really looked into the benefits. But that would be a real reason not to mess with it. There have been grease patties used for years before you and I ever messed with these bugs and they were used to deliver all kinds of things. Winter grease patties were popular in the south due to the heat being too much for them in the summer and folks would deliver supplements and other things with them. I watched Steve O and he always has innovative alternatives to the normal methods and I suspect he's reverting to his old days in trying out the grease. He's a interesting dude for sure! He has commented on a couple of my videos and I was elated to know he watched one or two of them. I'd like to get over to him and visit one day. I know right where he lives (well, the general vicinity). I grew up about an hour and a half north. I'll find him one day and shoot a video....Thanks for watching and commenting Phillip!!

[@josephrawls]

Now those are some nice traps.👍👍

[@MikeBarryBees]

Yes they are Joey. I hope they work well.

[@tommychew6544]

Great episode Mike, I fall right in line with your way of thinking, it makes sense at a base level to me even though I put a filter on as to my area. It's picking up on the finer points and leaving the rest aside that matters. It still reminds me of my time in the Corps for some reason, maybe I just got lucky on the way I figured things out as a young Marine. I always get something from your videos.

[@MikeBarryBees]

Thanks Tommy and as far as applying your figuring things out in the Corps, we learn that as a way of life when we're in. We are taught to be problem solvers as well as adapt to any situation within the environment we're in at the time. Natural for us military folks I suppose. Thanks for the loyal support!!

[@tommychew6544]

@@MikeBarryBees I think your right brother! I wouldn't have been the person I am today without learning what I did in my time in the military!

[@russellaymond312]

Thank you Mike always enjoy

[@MikeBarryBees]

You are very welcome and thanks so much for the support Russell!!

[@hein1812]

Excellent video as always. Thank you

[@MikeBarryBees]

Thanks so much!!

[@gregdunn8208]

Great video Mike. Lot of good ideas presented. Thanks

[@MikeBarryBees]

You're very welcome Greg!! Thanks for the support my friend!!

[@brianbennett4374]

Thanks for sharing 👍 have a great week 😊

[@MikeBarryBees]

Thanks Brian and you too!!

[@melvinyoder1954]

Here in Wisconsin I'm not sure I have ever seen a hive beetle. I see the moths but never had a slime out.

[@MikeBarryBees]

I'm glad you don't have them Melvin. You don't want an additional pest for sure. They're just annoying!!

[@tarheelbeekeeper3971]

Thanks for another informative video, those were some interesting gadgets you had curious to see how some of them work

[@MikeBarryBees]

You're welcome Randy and thanks for watching!!

[@lambbrookfarm4528]

Mug up from the swamp land of central NH, where it is 54 degrees at 7:18 am. Clear skies with temps rising to 70 today. Thanks for showing the goodies. I really like the queen cell cage idea... me being me, I am going to make some wire ones 'cause I got lots of little pieces of hardware cloth. Have a great week. Brice

[@MikeBarryBees]

Thanks Brice and you have a great week as well!!

[@rodneymiddleton9624]

Really cool stuff

[@MikeBarryBees]

I agree Rodney. Neat gadgets. Thanks!!

[@gigibees9313]

I thought my bug farmer vac was dead too but if I hold the button down for a few seconds it starts up then I can release it. Yours might do the same. Just hold the button down until it starts.

[@MikeBarryBees]

Great, thanks!! I’m going to go out and check when I get home. I know it was charged not long ago. Thanks for the tip and for watching!!

[@CentralKyBees]

I have very very few hive beetles. I don't do anything to my colonies to combat them. I just keep them very strong and they have sunlight for 75% of the day.

[@MikeBarryBees]

Yep, good plan in my opinion. Strong colonies and direct sun where the dirt beneath the hives stays dry and hard is the best bet for letting the bees handle the problem. Thanks for the comment and for watching!!

[@officer3054]

IM in South Florida and we have 100 beetles in most of my colonies and i have found out not to try to control the bettles works good here! I keep strong colons and i have noticed the bees trap the beetles between the top box and cover with propolis

[@LittleRiverBees-or6qp]

Keep safe and tie down your bees!

[@MFB7000]

I broadcast Grubex around my hives. It has almost eliminated hive beetles in my colonies

[@MikeBarryBees]

I use ground drench and grubX, but they're still flying in from elsewhere. Not sure if it's just having so many hives in one location, but interrupting the reproduction of them isn't doing it for me. Glad you're seeing good results though. I might just go all grubX because it's easier and more bee friendly. I don't wish beetles on anyone. Such a nescience. Have a great day!! Storms a comin...

[@saintjohncoleman8602]

Is that the Beetlesucker 5000? I thought that was a myth!

[@MikeBarryBees]

That’s it!! I am going to have it charged the night before I go back in next time.

[@alvincolson4332]

Thank you for the suggestions what is the website for the company not good with computers yet

[@MikeBarryBees]

It is rpbeeworks.com. Just click the top line and it will take you to all of his products. Thanks so much for watching!!!

[@meyikes]

I used a borax trap that I saw Kaymon tried and it attracted the little sugar ants

[@MikeBarryBees]

And also thing about the borax is it takes a long time to kill. I never tried it, but that was what Kamon was telling me at the Louisiana conference.

[@donbearden1953]

Mike, I’m bet those green beetle traps will work. I’ve used some very similar that the lid attached differently and they were transparent but not completely clear that worked good. I’ve seen very few beetles this year, maybe 5 or 6 and killed almost everyone. I hope I never see another one! Thanks for the video!

[@MikeBarryBees]

Thanks for the comment Don and hope al is well!! I would like to see good results because I'd probably use them on a case by case for hives that have a lot. We'll see.

[@saintjohncoleman8602]

Peppermints didn’t work for me. Beetle jails with diatomaceous earth were the best, here in SE coastal VA.

[@MikeBarryBees]

Agree 100%. They just didn't do anything for me and the work was way out of control.

[@jamesowens2781]

Love the channel but the SHBbait worked for me waiting till my stitches heal up then I can update

[@Pearcebees7643]

I have seen 8traks and the player

[@MikeBarryBees]

I had an aftermarket 8 track player in my old 72 ford pickup truck when I was 16😁😁 it was outdated then😂😂

[@rockyperez2828]

Hey Mike you was asking the young folks if they remember CD, and 8- track and laughed at it well do you remember 4- track tapes? Ha Ha got one on you even though I am only 64 I remember them and actually have one plus a couple tapes that fit it.

[@MikeBarryBees]

You're right, you got me on that one...LOL!!

[@karenpruitt6833]

How 'bout reel to reel?😊

[@MikeBarryBees]

@@karenpruitt6833 I had a reel to reel tape recorder when I was young. Actually, it was my brother’s when he was 12 and I was 7. But he let me use it and to me receding something was the most fascinating thing I had experienced 😁😁

[@bigarm439]

Where does one get your veil from, thank you

[@MikeBarryBees]

That veil is from HillCo. Nice unit and easy for quick jobs.

[@terryhagen2711]

I’m lucky I don’t have hives beetles up here

[@MikeBarryBees]

Oh, for sure Terry!!

[@brettellis1837]

Never had drama with Beatles bees were on a sand pit of bundy white with 8 bags of lime added to it under sand old carpet on top of bundy sand and lime was 4 ins of tee tree mulch do that never see Beatles .😂

[@MikeBarryBees]

Yea, no way they'll pupate in that Brett!! That lime alone should zap them. Thanks for sharing that for everyone. Forgot all about lime.

[@brettellis1837]

@@MikeBarryBees only way to go stops breeding .clean as well no weeds.