How to Get Rid of Beetles in Beehives

Beetles can be a major pest for beekeepers. Small hive beetles in particular can wreak havoc in a beehive if left unchecked. While prevention is the best medicine, hive beetle infestations do happen from time to time. Here are some of the most effective ways to get rid of beetles in your beehives and protect your precious bees.

Identify the Problem

The first step is identifying that you actually have a beetle problem. Two types of beetles are most likely to infest a beehive – the small hive beetle and the wax moth

Small hive beetles are dark brown or black in color and around 1/4 inch long. They lay eggs in small cracks in the hive where bees can’t reach. The larvae eat honey, pollen, and bee brood. An infestation can destroy honey combs and cause fermentation and spoilage.

Wax moths are grey or brown moths that lay eggs in the wax combs The larvae burrow through the wax eating beeswax They leave behind webs and frass that can make combs unusable. A bad infestation can destroy wooden frames and boxes.

Regular hive inspections are key to catching an infestation early before major damage occurs. Look closely at frames for signs of beetles, larvae, or wax moth webbing and tunnels.

Prevention

Prevention is always better than trying to cure an infestation. Here are some tips:

• Keep hives strong with lots of worker bees. Strong colonies can better defend against pests.

• Avoid stressors like insufficient food stores, queen issues, disease, etc. Stress weakens the hive’s defenses.

• Situate hives in full sun. Beetles prefer shade and shadows.

• Use screened bottom boards to allow beetles to fall out of the hive.

• Keep the hive area clean and remove old equipment or unused supers. Don’t leave combs and frames laying around.

• Extract honey quickly after removing supers. Don’t let combs sit too long before extraction.

Mechanical Traps

Specialized traps can be used inside hives to catch and kill beetles. These traps contain oil or another killing agent inside with openings sized to admit beetles but keep out bees. Traps should be placed on the bottom board or at the rear of upper hive bodies. Follow manufacturer recommendations for trap maintenance and oil replacement.

Bait Stations

Bait stations are another non-chemical control method. These take advantage of the beetle’s attraction to fruity and fermenting smells. Bait is placed above a grid to lure beetles into the oil filled trap below. As for traps, bait station grids keep bees out while allowing beetles through. DIY bait recipes are available, but commercial baits tailored for beetles generally work better.

Freezing Frames

Once you identify an infestation on a frame, removing and freezing it for a period of 24 to 48 hours can be an effective strategy. The freezing process kills both the adult and the small hive beetle larvae, halting their lifecycle abruptly. Just be sure to seal frames in plastic to prevent moisture accumulation.

Essential Oils

Certain essential oils like wintergreen, spearmint, and lemongrass have been shown to repel or kill beetles. You can treat hive equipment with these oils diluted in vegetable oil. Put several drops on a cotton ball and place it on frames or inner covers. The bees tolerate essential oils quite well. Just avoid adding it directly to honey supers to prevent flavor contamination.

Soil Treatments

Since beetle larvae pupate in the soil around the hive, treating the ground is another control strategy. Diatomaceous earth dust sprinkled around the hive will kill emerging beetles. Beneficial nematodes added to soil via watering can seek out and kill pupae. Chemical options like permethrin are available but should be used cautiously and only as a last resort due to bee toxicity.

Biological Controls

Natural predators can help keep beetle populations in check around your hives. Chickens will scratch around hives and eat larvae in the soil. Try to situate some hives near your chicken run. Some beekeepers also use the repellent qualities of certain plants like tansy, catnip, and garlic. The strong scents mask pheromones and deter beetles.

Good Sanitation

Keeping your apiary area clean and removing any unused supers or old comb is important. Stray wax and honey debris attract beetles looking for food and breeding sites. Extract honey in a timely fashion. Don’t leave wet cappings and burr comb laying around too long. Clean up any spilled honey immediately.

When All Else Fails

For severe infestations that persist despite your best efforts, chemical control may become necessary as a last resort. The organophosphate Coumaphos (CheckMite+®) is most widely used against beetles. It comes as a plastic strip placed in the hive for 6-8 weeks. Permethrin is also approved for beetle control. Always closely follow pesticide label instructions and safety precautions when using chemicals.

Beetle prevention should be part of your regular beekeeping practices. But even the most diligent beekeeper may get surprised by a sudden beetle bloom. Implementing a combination of the control methods discussed can help you knock out an infestation and get your hives back to health. With close monitoring and quick action, beetles don’t have to spell disaster for your bees.