muglabalci · Muğla, TR · Pests & Disease · Jun 3, 2026
Small hive beetles spotted — eradicate or manage?
First time I've seen SHB in this apiary. Two adults running across the top bars. Strong hive, double deep + super.
Is eradication realistic in Mediterranean climate or am I managing them for life now?
#shb#small-hive-beetle
▲ 21 votes
💬 3 replies
NalediBees · Jun 3, 2026
Management for life, sadly. Once SHB is in your area they don't leave. Strong colonies handle them — keep colonies populous, minimise extra space, traps in the corners of the hive (oil traps work).
MendozaMiel · Jun 3, 2026
We've had them in Mendoza for 8 years. Routine: traps + strong colonies + don't leave extracted supers anywhere bees can't guard them. Beetles destroy honey in storage faster than in the hive.
AbejasCarla · Jun 3, 2026
Soil treatment around the hive base helps reduce reproductive cycles — beetles drop and pupate in the soil. There are nematode products that target SHB pupae.
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