WHAT You Need to Know About the SMALL HIVE BEETLE - How ID, Traps, Prevention, Slime Outs & MORE

It doesn't matter if you're a beginner beekeeper or have been keeping bees for decades, there's a good chance you're seeing small hive beetles scurrying around your hives and you want them GONE. Here in Hawaii, Small hive beetles are a constant problem and something we have learned how to deal with, through A LOT of trial and error.
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⏰ TIMESTAMPS ⏰
• How to identify a small hive beetle - 1:72
• The lifecycle of a SHB - 2:12
• Why Small Hive Beetles are bad for a beehive - 3:00
• What does hive beetle larvae and slime look like - 7:06
• Difference between wax moth larva and small hive beetle larva - 7:10
• How to prevent a small hive beetle infestation - 8:12
• Small hive beetle traps that work - 13:14
• What hives are most likely to get slimed by the SHB - 16:32
• What to do if you see slime in your beehive - 20:30
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[@OhmSteader]

I just had a hive swarm in September in western NC. A few bees and some brood remained as well as hundreds of hive beetles. No larva or slime though. I made a little beetle vac from portable auto vac so can get nearly every beetle you see when opening a hive. Since I had hundreds to deal with I put soap water in a large baking pan and banged the frame with a small stick to knock the beetle into the water. Of course I carefully & quickly swept the bees off the frames first taking care not to knock the beetles off before holding the frame over the dawn water. I think I got every beetle out of there. Thank you much for sharing

[@BeekeepingMadeSimple]

Sorry to hear that. Those little guys are fast and will take over a hive that absconds, destroying all the honey they left behind. I'm glad you got all those beetles out. If you leave a hive to just get slimed out, they'll move right over to the next hive if you don't get rid of them!

[@leonardoribeiro7607]

Excellent work, I just returned from Hawaii from the Big Island and worked in a queen bee production company.

[@FrederickDunn]

Hello! One of my viewers sent me a link to this video, and I'm so glad he did. I'm glad you have an alternative paper towel for trapping small hive beetles and that it's made of natural fibers rather than plastic filaments. Very much appreciated. Thank you.

[@BeekeepingMadeSimple]

You're welcome. I just saw the other comments below about the Brawny sheets and pieces of plastic getting into the honey. I've also used these which looked identical to the Brawny towels except they're a different color - www.dadant.com/catalog/bee-care/pest-control-treatments/m01545-beetle-bee-gone It says on Dadant's website that it is "all-natural and chemical free". I will contact the company that makes them. The owners are a friend of a friend. I believe they live in my town or used to.

[@shakamuni01]

@@BeekeepingMadeSimple Seems like shop towels you get at auto stores would work well too. Some guy used a picnic mate that he attached on the slidable sheet on the bottom. Still not sure to leave that in or take it out?

[@Govstuff137]

I think I'm more concerned now. I don't know I'm not confident in what approach to use. Nothing seems to be really highly affective.

[@muleskinner485]

I have found that to keep the hives 100-300 feet from trees ,brush, and weeds, hive beetles love moist shade, i have had great success moving hives out in the open in the hot sun, the to keep the bees from getting too hot i set an old trampoline over them for shade, i use peppermint oil on my top frames, the smell drives them out, remember the odor of the hive is what attracts the beetles ...good luck

[@leonardoribeiro7607]

I have important information to tell you about what I saw in the fight against this pest. A big hug and success.

[@sassischassis7187]

Thank you so much for sharing your bee keeping experience and which products you have used with and without success. Extremely helpful to me. Even as a 4th year bee keeper I certainly haven't seen everything and theres so much info out there. I really appreciate your insight and detailed pictures cause I may have seen things previously and not realized what I was looking at as I navigate the bee adventure.

[@thomasrape4616]

Ive had hell with hive Beatles this year. Ive treated the ground in my bee yard with grub killer, and put several swifter cloths on the frames tops, finally getting them under control. Didn't have much problem until I brought in a cutout from an oak tree. I was buisy at the time and didn't care for them as I should have, they got smiled out. A few weeks later I had large numbers of Beatles in all my hives. This is the reason I used the grub killer on the ground, won't help today but will help in the months ahead. I now have a bug zapper near my bee yard to control moth numbers. It's been a wet year after 3 years of drought and bugs have gone crazy.

[@BeekeepingMadeSimple]

the small hive beetle will takeover a hive very fast! I'm glad the grub killer works for you. It is something I forgot to talk about because I can't use it where my bees are. My hives are on other people's properties around the island. Having a screened bottom with oil pan below has really been a lifesaver for me.

[@bobbygaskins7778]

Thank you for taking time to share this information.

[@adkfoothills1973]

Another very helpful video. Thank you, Larissa. 🐝🐝

[@galina_920]

Thank you Larissa 🐝🦋

[@Leroylundberg24]

Very informative, thank you!

[@JPRumpf]

Thanks!

[@nathanrish7099]

Yes, the SHB takes advantage of weak hives, but they can also infiltrate even a strong hive. If there is a crack in the hive body, a knot hole, a gap between the bottom board and the bottom of the first hive body...they will find it & sneak in. Moreover, one can not afford to be a slum lord (old worn out wooden ware) any more. What you need is a Rish Bee Castle model 2016A1 soon to be revealed. The idea is to keep the SHB out in the 1st place. JE

[@BeekeepingMadeSimple]

I think you misunderstood what I was saying. Small hive beetles will get into a hive, no matter how large or strong they are. However, a strong hive will chase them into the traps the beekeeper puts inside the hive or in the crevices of the hive and keep them from laying eggs. Although this is an added job that's needs to be done within the hive, it will not cause it to collapse nor will you see SHB slime.

[@pamhattabaugh9573]

Can you wash out the honey and hive beetle larva, freeze the frames with comb, and use them again?

[@muleskinner485]

yes you can, i have done this a couple times, freeze first a few days then wash out with a nozzle on a hose...........😀

[@lindafox4065]

Looks like you're back to a reg. schedule. So glad. Thanks for your contributions.

[@BeekeepingMadeSimple]

Trying! It's been hard after the baby was born.

[@EvaVaa-us4el]

Beautiful

[@dancingfunkymonkey]

Thank you!!!

[@curiouscoy492]

Beetle Blaster trap can be filled with Miller High Life (champagne of beer). Not as messy as oil. I'm a spiller so this is important for me : )

[@BeekeepingMadeSimple]

Thanks for the tip!

[@Jacabiem]

👍🏻 Same.

[@sonofthunder.]

tried with nit great results w beer,and mineral oil to mitigate evaporation of the beer lager(alcohol),i need to reset a few and try again

[@curiouscoy492]

@@sonofthunder. Mineral oil is a nice addition because the beer does evaporate . Thanks for suggesting it.

[@leonardoribeiro7607]

What's your Instagram?​@@BeekeepingMadeSimple

[@janeenshean4255]

Ty very helpful

[@mikehollenback2367]

Thanks for the well done video, good info.

[@BeekeepingMadeSimple]

You're welcome.

[@patty44441]

We put beetle traps in finally, and our hives are looking like they have a lot of honey. We’ve had one freeze, but it’s not gonna freeze again till December I don’t think. (I’m in North Texas) But one of our hives had so much honey that we didn’t even take all the frames out to inspect it. I was afraid we might hurt the Queen. But now I’m wondering if it could be honey bound? Since it’s so close to cold weather, what should I check for or do. I can’t remember how much brood I saw. I think we were just shocked at the honey because 3 weeks ago I didn’t think the hive looked good at all. Any suggestions or advice would be very appreciated!!

[@BeekeepingMadeSimple]

I would do a full inspection and see how many frames of brood you have as well as frames of honey. I'm not sure what you mean by honey bound, but f you expect freezing temperatures in a month, you should make sure you're ready to prepare the hive for the cold - insulation, food, moisture absorption, low mite levels, and an upper and lower entrance. I would recommend reviewing videos about how to overwinter a beehive to learn about the steps you will need to take.

[@أحداثاليوم-ك1و]

Thank you for formation

[@BeekeepingMadeSimple]

You're welcome!

[@sonofthunder.]

brawny dixie h700 is a alternate,and possibly flax versions ,which i havnt tried,also by brawny,fred dunns latest video went into micro plastics in swiffer sheets,getting into bees ,honey etc

[@BeekeepingMadeSimple]

Yikes! We definitely don't want plastic in our honey. I've tried other towels but only the dine a max has worked for me. Please let me know if you find another towel made from natural fibers.

[@amimeamine5970]

Good

[@Quusai]

good job

[@curiouscoy492]

I LOVE your explanations, so clear and informative. Thank you for sharing your knowledge.

[@BeekeepingMadeSimple]

Glad it was helpful!

[@mgmbamaguy]

Great video filled with tons of information! Thank you

[@BeekeepingMadeSimple]

thank you!

[@tooldiebum]

Hello Larissa I’m from Michigan I do get them as well not to bad but there there what is your go to I’ll try the Swiffer unscented sheets great information thanks for sharing Hawaii’s on my bucket list lol ✌️

[@BeekeepingMadeSimple]

I like the oil pan below and the towel under the lid. In your area, a towel/swiffer sheet under the lid is probably just fine. Just keep an eye on them in the late summer/early fall when there's lots of honey on the hive but the population is going down.

[@tooldiebum]

@@BeekeepingMadeSimple ok cool Thanks

[@BucksBeesS.C.]

I use Beetle-bee -gone pads along with peppermint candy or sticks soaked in peppermint exstract im in Darlington S.C

[@mikemcgilvray8558]

A good bug zapper light

[@sonofthunder.]

ive rinsed off frames,fred dunn says a 10% bleach to water solution with garden hose,if not too bad,to wash slimy hive components,otherwise yeah dispose

[@BeekeepingMadeSimple]

Thank you for the information. A 10% bleach solution in the water would be helpful. I haven't had any trouble using the wooden equipment again after washing with water and leaving out in the sun, but not everyone has the ability to do that.

[@sonofthunder.]

@@BeekeepingMadeSimple yes ,if i leave a long garden hose in the sun its warmth helps wash sticky residues without damaging the wax,it pretty durable,

[@mikemcgilvray8558]

Put grubworm killer under and around the hive on the ground

[@ayulaluna8419]

Nice ♥️🐝

[@f-a-t-i-m-a]

جيد

[@heavymechanic2]

I only get a few beetles, no worries with hygienic bees. I watched the DirtRooster feed candy and use oil traps, swiffer and anything to help. Kudos on telling people to build strong colonies.

[@BeekeepingMadeSimple]

Thank you! The number 1 way to keep hive beetles away is to have strong colonies but everyone wants to know the trick or the gadget to get rid of beetles. I can't keep up with all these beekeeping "hacks" out there. I just try my best to help the bees stay healthy and they don't need all these gadgets.

[@mihaafoukth9407]

مهمة

[@SerhiiHarahulia]

Thanks for supporting Ukraine

[@lynnmize9123]

Excellent presentation. ❤

[@BeekeepingMadeSimple]

Thank you!

[@Bombardements]

جميل

[@framcesmoore]

great job where do u get the paper towels from I cant find them where I live' if u would spell it out maybe I am spelling it wrong thenks

[@BeekeepingMadeSimple]

Sure. It's Brawny Dine-a-max towels. barnyardbees.com/product/brawny-dine-a-max-beetle-towel-quarter-sheet-10-pack/ Beekeeping supply sites also sell them now as "beetle towels" but its the same thing. It's also cheaper than using a swiffer sheet - www.mannlakeltd.com/feeding-medications/beetle-towels/

[@framcesmoore]

@@BeekeepingMadeSimple Thanks so very much have a blessed day

[@framcesmoore]

@@BeekeepingMadeSimple where do u get yours from are the towels the same as u would buy from the grocery store. Thanks

[@moradmooorad8305]

جيد ❤

[@pablogomeztorres892]

We dont have this beetle in the country i live, but ill watch it anyway coz youre great 🎉🎉

[@BeekeepingMadeSimple]

Thank you :) Glad you don't have to deal with these guys!

[@Jacabiem]

Really? Wow. Good for you.

[@hosocat1410]

If you want to save a little money aldis has a generic version of the swiffer unscented sheets that are a couple dollars cheaper than swiffer. They work great to catch beetles.

[@BeekeepingMadeSimple]

I bought a box of the Brawny Dine-a-Max towels and they are a lot cheaper than the swiffer sheets as well.

[@HiberDjilali-yi3cj]

جيد❤️💜🧡

[@sonofthunder.]

dine a max by brawny is carded rayon ( nylon)*...UPDATE DINE A WIPE, is different than DINE A MAX TOWELS ,sorry for any confusion as we try to find whats natural vs synthetic

[@FrederickDunn]

Hi SonOfThunder, I looked for this information and couldn't find it. They claim all natural fiber composition. Would you please provide the link where you found it's actually rayon? I don't want to be misleading my viewers, thanks :)

[@BrianJMader54476]

I haven’t seen them too much here in Wisconsin unless someone gets nucs from down south

[@BeekeepingMadeSimple]

There are benefits to your cold winters :) I never saw them in my hives when I lived in PA but I hear they see them more often up there now.

[@sahnounhano2925]

Ben

[@sonofthunder.]

love the oil tray ,can you give the brand or link,thanks

[@BeekeepingMadeSimple]

This is what I have on that hive - www.dadant.com/catalog/bee-care/pest-control-treatments/cypress-bottom-board-10-frame-m60040 I will say that it is falling apart. Just crumbling.

[@hosocat1410]

Hi. Great videos. Thanks! I'm new to beekeeping. I was given two hives, which I kept over winter and they seem to be doing well. Harvested about a gallon of good honey. But I'm wondering what maintenance I should do to the nuc and brood boxes. I feel like I should go in them eventually and clean out old dark comb but I don't want to do any damage. Have you made a video on when and how to clean and maintain the nuclear and brood boxes?

[@BeekeepingMadeSimple]

Leave the old comb until the end of the year. Pull it out if the cells are empty and it's really really dark brown. The maintenance you should be doing to your hives in the early summer is making sure they have room in the brood boxes to keep them from swarming and checking mite levels. If you don't want to treat for mites, then also you shouldn't do anything to prevent swarming. Swarming is one of the best ways bees will naturally lower their own mite levels.

[@hosocat1410]

@@BeekeepingMadeSimple thanks so much.

[@SA-xj1cs]

Do you have a link for the under box oil trap, thanks

[@charliegioe3158]

Do you have any videos on choppy con? Looks more like icicles then and double sided with the bees are going under the cone I don’t understand what the problem is. Thank you Charlie PA.

[@BeekeepingMadeSimple]

I do not. I've never heard of it before.

[@BucksBeesS.C.]

I think their talking about wonky cone

[@charliegioe3158]

@@BucksBeesS.C. I guess that’s what you call it. Thank you.

[@donnyk123]

Sorry not about topic, but have you had videos about langstrought long hive

[@BeekeepingMadeSimple]

I have not because I don't own any. If I ever get my hands on one or find someone close by who will let me make a video using one of theirs I definitely will make one!

[@danielcollins9628]

Just lost my first hive to the shb just got second and reckon I'll be OK now thanks

[@BeekeepingMadeSimple]

Sorry to hear that. Hope your second hive does better!

[@houssambrahmi2118]

😁😁😁

[@standstill4407]

They eat bees wings

[@genehudyma2152]

Thanks for the info. Great presentation and love the trident. Glory to Ukraine!

[@BeekeepingMadeSimple]

Thank you! Proud to be 100% Ukrainian :)

[@leonardoribeiro7607]

Can anyone tell me if Larissa has Instagram?

[@هلاوهلاو-ط8ط]

Goood

[@fhlmc]

Тризуб hahaha

[@lf17403]

Have you tried putting Peppermint candy in the hive? Use Peppermint that is made with real Peppermint oil (Brock's). Unwrap the candy and place one candy disk in each corner on top of the frames of each box. The hive beetles will leave.

[@BeekeepingMadeSimple]

I have not . Thanks for the tip. I'm always hesitant to put something with a strong smell in the hive because I don't want to annoy the bees. How long does it last before you have to replace the candy?

[@BucksBeesS.C.]

Melt down you scrap slimed honey frames It can be used for rewaxing frames

[@BeekeepingMadeSimple]

I have melted down the slimed comb and it leaves you with the tiniest amount of wax. You can only use the comb that has a little bit of slime on it and you have to melt it down ASAP. The worms eat that wax really fast. By the time you melt it down, you get the tiniest itty bitty piece of wax. I don't bother with it anymore.

[@BucksBeesS.C.]

Cant beleave you had nothing to say about the peppermint system that hillbilly beekeeper does or even the sticks Stevos outdoor world does in Florida. I use peppermint candy now but fixen to go to sticks

[@BeekeepingMadeSimple]

I'm not a fan of things that need to be replaced. Every hive is different. I can see myself forgetting to check. I also primarily do comb honey and I am hesitant to put an essential oil in the hive.

[@janejanis9199]

I hope all the beetles and larva are dead when you take them to the dump

[@GeorgeKlapischak]

love the tryzub! getting thru the heat. dearth and massive robbing here in the high desert of Santa Fe NM! We’ll get thru it because… Слава Україні!

[@BeekeepingMadeSimple]

Thank you :) I hope your bees don't suffer from too much robbing. Do you have any tricks for helping them out when there's a lot of robbing? I love learning new tricks from beekeepers. Слава Україні!