top of page

16.2 Small Hive Beetle Control

​

Apr 15, 2026

16.2 Small Hive Beetle Control

Understanding the Small Hive Beetle

Small hive beetles (SHB) are opportunistic pests that have become a common challenge for beekeepers. Native to sub-Saharan Africa, they have spread to many parts of the world, thriving particularly in warm, humid climates. While strong, healthy colonies can often manage a low number of beetles, the situation changes when a colony becomes weak, stressed, or queenless. When beetles gain the upper hand, their reproduction can rapidly overwhelm a hive.

The life cycle of the small hive beetle involves four stages: egg, larva, pupa, and adult. Adult females lay clusters of small, pearly white eggs in cracks and crevices within the hive, often protecting them from the bees. These eggs hatch into larvae, which are the most destructive stage. The larvae tunnel through the comb, consuming honey, pollen, and brood, while simultaneously excreting a yeast (Kodamaea ohmeri) that causes the honey to ferment and "slime out" the hive. Once mature, the larvae leave the hive to burrow into the soil, where they pupate and eventually emerge as adult beetles to start the cycle again.

Recognising Early Signs

For a beginner, the key is to be observant during your regular hive inspections. Adult beetles are small, dark brown to black, and have distinct clubbed antennae; they are agile and will quickly scurry into the darker corners of the hive when disturbed. You might see them hiding under the inner cover, on the bottom board, or in the crevices of the hive body.

The most alarming sign of a heavy infestation is a "slimed out" frame, where the comb appears wet, sunken, and covered in a foul-smelling, fermented, viscous liquid. If you see beetle larvae crawling on the comb or clustered in debris, you must act promptly. Over time, you will begin to recognise that a persistent presence of beetles, even without active slime, is a warning signal to assess the overall strength and health of your colony.

Practical Control and Prevention

The most effective long-term strategy is to maintain a strong, robust colony that is capable of patrolling and defending all its comb. A colony should only be given as much space—in the form of supers—as the bees can actively cover and protect. Avoid leaving unnecessary empty equipment in the apiary, as it provides perfect, unguarded refuge for beetles to reproduce.

This naturally leads to the importance of apiary hygiene. Never leave old burr comb, wax scraps, or honey drips lying around the bee yard, as these attract pests. If you remove supers for extraction, process them quickly—ideally within 48 hours—to prevent eggs from hatching and larvae from damaging your harvest. If you do find larvae or suspect an infestation in stored equipment, freezing frames at 0°F (-18°C) for at least 48 hours is a reliable way to kill all life stages.

In practice, this means being proactive about hive placement and monitoring. Placing your hives in full, direct sunlight can help, as beetles prefer dark, damp conditions and larvae are sensitive to UV exposure. Various commercially available in-hive traps, often using oil or natural attractants, can help keep adult beetle numbers low. By keeping your colonies strong and your apiary clean, you provide your bees with the best defence against this persistent pest.


Summary

Small hive beetles are opportunistic pests that exploit weak colonies and poorly managed equipment. Their larvae cause damage by tunnelling through combs, eating stored resources, and contaminating honey with a fermenting yeast that results in a destructive "slime out." Prevention centres on maintaining colony strength, Minimising unguarded space, and practising excellent apiary hygiene. If infestations occur, prompt removal of infested material, freezing of affected frames, and the use of targeted traps are essential management steps to protect the health of your colony.


References

bottom of page