Small hive beetle
Small hive beetle (Aethina tumida) is a free flying, fast moving pest that has caused a major impact to honey bee colonies.
Beekeepers are encouraged to report detected or suspected cases to PIRSA.
Background
Small hive beetle (SHB) originated from sub-Saharan Africa and was detected in Australia in 2002. The pest was detected on Kangaroo Island in January 2021, reported from hives only in the Hanson Bay area.
SHB is no longer managed as a notifiable disease in South Australia, following:
- a consultation with the apiary industry
- confirmation that the pest is established in the SA Riverland.
There are no longer SHB treatments required when bringing bee colonies, used apiary appliances, or queen bees into the state.
Impacts
The larval stage of the SHB life cycle causes the majority of damage to active hives. They burrow into combs and eat brood, honey, and pollen.
The larvae also carry a yeast species which contaminates honey, causing it to ferment. Heavy infestations may cause the colony to die or abscond.
Management
Use these control techniques for hives infested with SHB:
- Make sure all containers and storage areas are insect-proofed to stop beetles infesting.
- Clean extraction plants and honey sumps, skin the top of settling tanks, and clean floors and surfaces of dead bees and debris.
- Use baits and traps in the apiary or individual hives.
- Natural predators and weather can reduce numbers of wandering larvae.
- Some honey bees are better at fighting off beetle infections. Genetic lines of bees may be bred to resist beetles.
- Treat soil and storage areas with chemicals to help control beetles.
- Follow best-practice hive management for strong and well-organised hives that can better resist beetles.
- Manage honey frames infested with beetles to limit further spread.
Identification
SHB is a brown-black beetle with clubbed antennae, between 5 to 7mm long.
Adult beetles are able to fly up to 15km to locate and infest a honey bee colony. They are found in warm and humid climates.
