54. Pests-Small Hive Beetles :
- Kanna Das
- Jul 10, 2025
- 3 min read
What Are Small Hive Beetles?
The small hive beetle (scientific name Aethina tumida) is tiny—just a few millimetres long—that has become one of the most troublesome pests for honeybee colonies around the world. Originally from sub-Saharan Africa, these beetles now inhabit many regions, including the United States, Australia, and parts of Europe, being carried both by their own flight and through human activities such as transporting hives and used equipment.
To a casual observer, they may look innocuous—small, dark brown or black beetles with clubbed antennae—but beneath that unassuming appearance hides a pest that can turn a happy hive upside down.
Life Cycle of the Small Hive Beetle
Understanding how small hive beetles live helps explain why they can be so destructive.
The life cycle has four stages: egg, larva, pupa, and adult.
Eggs: Female beetles lay hundreds of eggs inside the hive—often in comb cracks, crevices, or even directly in brood or food cells. These tiny white eggs hatch in a matter of days.
Larvae: The larvae are small, creamy white grubs with rows of spines. This is the most damaging stage. The larvae tunnel through combs of honey, pollen, and brood, eating and defecating as they go. Their feeding breaks down the comb structure and causes honey to ferment and leak—a condition beekeepers call “sliming out.”
Pupae: Once fully fed, larvae leave the hive and burrow into the soil near the hive to pupate. This stage can take weeks, depending on temperature and moisture.
Adults: New adult beetles emerge from the soil and fly off in search of hives. They can survive for months and will invade hives repeatedly, especially if food and hiding spots are available.
How Small Hive Beetles Damage the Hive
The adults themselves are often just a nuisance to a strong colony; bees can generally handle a few intruders without much trouble.
But the larvae are a different story. Once eggs hatch in a hive with weak or stressed bees, larvae begin eating stored honey, pollen, and brood.
As they feed, they:
Tunnel through the comb and break the cappings
Contaminate honey with their waste
Cause honey to ferment, froth, smell bad, and even run out of cells
Create a slimy mess that bees will not tolerate
When slime and fermentation set in, bees often abandon the hive—literally walking away from their home because it has become uninhabitable. This is why SHB infestations can quickly destroy even strong colonies if left unmanaged.
How to Protect Your Hives from Small Hive Beetles
Most hobby beekeepers think first of chemical sprays or treatments—but the smartest protection starts with good hive management and understanding beetle behaviour.
1. Keep Colonies Strong
Strong bee populations can patrol and defend the hive. Healthy bees will chase and trap beetles, limiting their ability to lay eggs. Weak or queenless colonies are especially vulnerable.
2. Remove Unprotected Comb Quickly
Frames of honey or pollen that aren’t covered by bees become ideal hiding and laying spots for SHB. Only add supers when the bees are actively using them, and extract and store honey supers quickly after harvest.
3. Maintain Clean Apiaries
Beetles are attracted to food and hive debris. Clean up discarded wax scraps, burr comb, and leftover frames promptly. Don’t leave old hive equipment lying around—these can harbour eggs and larvae.
4. Use Traps
There are many types of small hive beetle traps you can place in or under the hive. These often use baits like apple cider vinegar or other attractants with a sticky or oil-filled bottom to catch adults seeking shelter. Traps won’t eliminate all beetles, but they reduce numbers and buy your bees time to stay strong.
5. Choose Hive Location Carefully
Beetles thrive in warm, humid environments and shady spots. Placing hives in sunny areas and with good airflow can help reduce beetle pressure.
Real Beekeeper Tips
Many experienced hobby beekeepers regularly check for beetles when inspecting hives, and they know that prevention is better than cure. SHB rarely arrive out of nowhere—many travel on hive equipment, nectar supers, or even clothing. Keeping everything clean, sealed, and well-managed significantly lowers risk.
Remember: a healthy colony doesn’t just make honey; it defends its home. The stronger your bees, the less power beetles have to harm them.
Ways of controlling the small hive beetles (SHB) -David Burns- video-17min
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