Hive beetles in stored equipment
Small hive beetles (SHB) are significant pests of honeybee colonies and stored beekeeping equipment. SHB larvae tunnel through combs, feeding on honey, pollen, and brood, causing damage and fermentation. In stored equipment, SHB can quickly multiply and destroy wax combs, making them unusable. Infestations in stored equipment are often overlooked but can lead to significant losses if not managed. Prevention and control measures are crucial to protect stored combs and prevent SHB from infesting bee colonies. Stored equipment, especially drawn combs with pollen or honey residue, provides ideal breeding grounds for SHB.
- Sulfur strips4
Burn sulfur strips inside airtight stacks of stored supers and hive bodies to fumigate against small hive beetles and wax moths. The sulfur dioxide gas released during combustion penetrates combs and kills all pest life stages present in the equipment.
📌 commercial📌 low cost4/16/2025, 9:22:02 PM
🛠️ Sulfur strips, airtight containers or tape, metal tray
- Freezing equipment3
Place stored frames and hive boxes in a deep freezer set to -18°C (0°F) or below for at least 48 hours to kill all small hive beetle (SHB) eggs, larvae, and adults. This non-chemical approach works well for managing smaller batches of equipment removed during inspections or honey harvests.
📌 diy📌 low cost4/16/2025, 9:22:02 PM
🛠️ Deep freezer
- Good storage practices3
Store extracted frames and hive equipment in clean, dry, well-lit, and ventilated areas to make them unattractive to small hive beetles. Remove as much honey and pollen residue as possible before storage, since these residues are the primary attractants for SHB and wax moths.
📌 best practice📌 free4/16/2025, 9:22:02 PM
🛠️ None