Small Hive Beetles (SHB)

Small Hive Beetles (SHB)#

1 . Where did Small Hive Beetles originate?

Small Hive Beetles originated in Africa and were first detected in the United States in St. Lucie County, Florida, in 1998. By 1999, SHB were found in Georgia and South Carolina and have continued to spread throughout the southeastern U.S. and beyond.

2 . What is the geographical location of most SHB infestations?

Infestations are most common in the Southeastern United States, particularly Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina, though SHB are now found in many regions.

3 . Why are SHB attracted to honey bee colonies?

SHB are attracted to odors produced by adult bees, brood, pollen, and honey. Weak or disturbed colonies emit additional fermentation volatiles, making them especially attractive. Colonies provide both food and egg-laying sites.

4 . What are the physical characteristics of small hive beetles?

  • Clubbed antennae

  • Black, hard exoskeleton

  • Ability to retract head, legs, and antennae under the body (“turtling”)

  • Hooks on legs to help evade bees

5 . Which stage causes damage to honey bee colonies?

Larvae cause the damage. Adults are mostly a nuisance. Larvae tunnel through comb, consuming honey, pollen, and brood, and defecate in the comb, causing fermentation. The resulting odor attracts additional SHB.

6 . How long do adult SHB live?

Adult SHB may live up to 6 months and can be found throughout the hive.

7 . Where do female SHB lay their eggs?

Females lay eggs in cracks and crevices, or under wax cappings of brood cells. Eggs hatch in 2–3 days into white larvae.

8 . How long do larvae mature inside the hive?

Larvae require approximately 10–16 days to mature while feeding on pollen and honey.

9 . Can SHB complete their life cycle inside the hive?

No. Mature larvae exit the hive and burrow into the soil to pupate. Pupation lasts 3–4 weeks, depending on soil conditions.

10 . What soil conditions favor SHB pupation?

  • Sandy soil is preferred over heavy clay

  • Most larvae pupate within 24–36 inches of the hive

  • ~75% are found within 4 inches of soil depth

  • ~95% are found within 6 inches Quick entry into soil reduces predation by ants, birds, and other predators.

11 . How many eggs can one female SHB lay per day?

A single female can lay up to 120 eggs per day, producing large larval populations within days.

12 . What happens to SHB when a colony swarms?

SHB fly with the swarm, remaining associated with the bees.

13 . What happens to SHB during winter?

Adult SHB overwinter inside the cluster to stay warm and can survive up to 6 months. Larvae cannot overwinter in soil in colder climates.

14 . How far can adult SHB fly?

Adult SHB can fly up to 30 miles.

15 . How do SHB weaken a colony?

  • Approximately 20 worker bees (18–21+ days old) are needed to guard 2–3 beetles.

  • Guard bees rotate every 4 hours over a 4–7 day period.

  • A hive with 100 beetles may divert 600–1,000 foraging-age bees to beetle control, significantly reducing foraging efficiency.

16 . What is trophallaxis and how does it relate to SHB?

Trophallaxis is the direct transfer of food between insects. SHB stimulate bees by stroking their mouthparts, causing bees to regurgitate food. Bees unintentionally feed the beetles.

17 . What Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategies help control SHB?

Cultural Control

  • Place hives in sunny locations

  • Avoid over-supering

  • Limit unnecessary hive inspections

  • Seal cracks and crevices with silicone caulk

  • Use pollen patties sparingly; they can become SHB nurseries

Physical Control

  • Use in-hive beetle traps

  • Apply diatomaceous earth beneath hives

  • Kill beetles on contact during inspections

Biological Control

  • Apply entomopathogenic nematodes (e.g., Heterorhabditis indica) under hives

  • Free-ranging chickens consume SHB larvae

Genetic Control

  • Hygienic bees detect and remove SHB eggs and larvae from brood cells

18 . What chemical controls are approved for SHB?

  • Permethrin (soil treatment for pupae)

  • Coumaphos (in-hive adult control)

⚠️ Neither is recommended for the following reasons:

  • Permethrin kills beneficial soil organisms

  • Coumaphos can contaminate wax and honey

19 . How can you tell SHB larvae from wax moth larvae?

  • SHB larvae: three pairs of jointed “true” legs near the head

  • Wax moth larvae: many soft, fleshy prolegs along the body

  • SHB larvae have a tough exterior, while wax moth larvae are soft Leg number and placement are the most reliable identifiers.