Small Hive Beetle Control and Prevention
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- čas přidán 15. 04. 2021
- Small Hive Beetle Control and Prevention is an essential part of beekeeping. In this video, we go over how to control and prevent Hive Beetles in bee hives. We go over some of the most used hive beetle tools and traps; as well as some tips and tricks; discussing how they work and their ability to reduce small hive beetles. Prevention and keeping the beetles from entering your beehives is the best solution, but internal beetle traps can help and assist in the ongoing battle in helping our bee colonies and hives.
Swiffer sheets, beetle blasters, Guardian Hive Entrances, Beetle Buster Baseboards and more. See how they work and what we recommend!
#hivebeetles #hivebeetlecontrol #hivebeetleprevention #beetlebuster #beetlebusterusa #beetleblaster #guardianbeehiveentrance
** Additional note **
If you purchase a Beetle Buster baseboard - don't be surprised if you don't receive the small bag of DE. Apparently, baggies with white powder in the boxes were causing a stir with customs guys... go figure!
Links to the Products shown in the video
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★ Best Overall Small Hive Beetle Prevention ★
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Beetle Buster Baseboard - beetlebusterusa.com?afmc=1d
Small Hive Beetle Prevention tools
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Guardian Hive Entrance: amzn.to/3v0B5zn
Guardian Hive Upper Entrance: amzn.to/3aeH0su
Small Hive Beetle control tools
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Swiffer Unscented Dry Sheets: amzn.to/3ebEnJ4
Disposable Beetle Blaster trap: amzn.to/3agPu2n
Reusable Beetle trap: amzn.to/3uWJjZm
Black Plastic Cassette trap: amzn.to/3afNlnD
Other
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Food Grade Diatomaceous Earth: amzn.to/3mUDQPD
We may make a very small commission on the links above. The links go directly to the products and do not include any additional cost to you.
Your video is great and I was very impressed with the BeetleBuster and planned on buying 6 for my hives. I was thinking they might run around $50 each but when I found out that they cost $139, well that was a little too much for me. Almost $1,000, with tax, for my 6 hives! Guess I will have to stick with the Beetle Blasters. Thanks for a great video!
Thank You! I completely understand about the cost concerns. I purchased the ones I have slowly, over time. You might consider getting one to keep in your "tool kit". I know several people that have one and use it whenever the time arises where a colony is getting overrun by beetles. They put the beetle buster in place for as long as needed to help the colony deal with the invaders. I've seen several hives saved from certain collapse by using this method.
@@TwoDovesBees I appreciate your reply. I was actually thinking about buying one to see how it goes. I live in Tenn. and our state conference (TBA) is coming up in March. I hope one of the vendors will have some to sell! I would love to see one. Thanks!
@@nashvlbees you might give a shout out to beetlebusterusa.com. Bryan is the guy I usually talk to and he can probably set something up.
Wonderfully helpful! Thanks for making this video!
Thank You Doreen...
Great video! best on this issue so far. I like the idea of the reusable one and the guardian entrance. I've never seen them. My 4 year old and 2 year old love the bees.
Thanks!!! Bees are fascinating to watch. I learn something new almost every time I work with them.
Thanks for sharing.
Thanks for watching! I appreciate it Matthew.
Very helpful video. I like the visual of the different products. Thx!
Thank You Amber... I appreciate the comment... :-)
Awesome overview! Thank you!
Thanks James...
Good info. Have been looking at all the options including beetle buster. Good explaination. Thanks for your time
Thank you... I hope it helps!
Good information! Thank you. I'm definitely good by to try the beetle buster baseboard
Thanks Kelly... The beetle buster is a great way to deal with small hive beetles.
Nice video! Great job explaining the different methods of controlling beetles.
Thanks... I really try to put out good info that helps people... :-)
@@TwoDovesBees I can see that. I have been in a war with them this year. I got behind and have paid the price for sure but maybe we about have them under control. Would love to try the Beetle Buster but no way I can afford the number of them I would need and not sure they are compatible with pallets.
Ive had a colony abscond from these pests. I’d love to try some of those prevention methods! Hadnt heard of that baseboard. Thanks for the info
Thanks Jason... Hive Beetles can ruin a hive very quickly if left unchecked. I try to put out good info and be helpful. I appreciate the feedback!
I just found your Channel.
Its awesome. Great info.
I'm now a new subscriber.
Thank you!😊👍
Thanks Mike!!! I appreciate the feedback..
Hey, I thank you for the information on that beetle board. I never heard about or seen one before. I’m sure subscribing to your channel and look forward to more videos. Thanks for sharing your thoughts; Matt
Thank You Matt! I always try to put good info out there and at least attempt to be entertaining and real... I appreciate you stopping by and leaving a comment! 😀
Great information
Glad you liked it... Thank You Randy!
Very interesting! Have a few hives and facing this problem now, 😊!
Hopefully the info is helpful and timely... I'd be interested to know how you choose to deal with it. They can be a real problem pest if not controlled. :-) Good Luck!!!
Thank You! Great info! I’m in Texas too, below Austin 🐝❣️🐝
Very welcome... I'm definitely ready for at least a little break in the heat... too soon for 100+... We're just a little north of Dallas...
Thank you for the information. After six years of trying to learn this hobby, I finally started reading and watching more. This will help.
Thanks Jack... I always try to give good info that helps.
I have just started beekeeping and already have these beetles. I really would hate for these pests to ruin my little hive they have been doing so good. This was very useful to me thank you so much!
You are very welcome Meli Jo! I'm glad the info has helped. I always try to put out good, and sometimes entertaining, videos - that help people... :-)
I use the beetle buster base board and it is excellent. Very effective at controlling small hive beetles.
I agree... Thanks for visiting and commenting! The beetle buster has been the best tool in my ongoing fight against the small hive beetle. It's also important to have good strong and healthy hives - but the beetle buster helps my bees without a doubt!
Very informative video. Thank you. I, too, am a hobbyist beekeeper. I experienced shb infestation for the first time in my hives this spring after moving down south and lost an entire hive to infestation. Apparently they are very common down here. It was so upsetting. I'm working to keep the other hive from being decimated by utilizing these products. Your descriptions and explanations about these items also really helped me understand how to use them. I purchased the Beetle Buster Baseboard and cannot wait to install it on my last remaining hive.
Hello Karen... Thank you for your note. I'm happy that I was able to help. The BeetleBuster is a great product and I'm sure it will help your hive!
Thank you for the information. Was a big help
Glad it was helpful! I try to share good based on my own experiences... Thank You for your note.
We have been keeping bees for a month now and I'm hooked on your channel lol.
Good video. I have found out on the long black hive beetle trap you can take your water hose an spray in one end and wash the beetles out the other end . While that one is drying put a new one in then rotate the traps
Thanks Kathy... I've also seen where the bees create a tomb of the traps - they propolize all the holes, sealing the beetles into the traps. :-)
That was great. Just one thing you omitted about the third item, the clear plastic reusable trap, is that there is a space in the centre for bait. My supplier told me that nothing attracts SHB like other SHBs. Captured SHBs can be put safely in this bait area. Also I believe the 'guardian' works well because the SHB cannot hover. Thank you for going through the full range. I was unaware of the possibility of using the bottom board method in a remedial and/or temporary role.
Thanks Rob... I am always interested in tools that help my bees and I like to share what I find that works. Most people don't think about using a baseboard as a "tool" in the arsenal of weapons in the war against small hive beetles. It can be invaluable and very effective - even if it's just deployed for a temporary beetle reduction device. Thanks for stopping by - I appreciate it!!!
Thanks for sharing knowledge, it helps. I would like to try as my new hive has beetles.
No problem at all... Hive beetles in small numbers should be handled by the bees, but the more help we can give them, the better. Hive beetles in large numbers can be a SIGNIFICANT problem (this is where the beetlebuster baseboard really shines and can save a hive from certain death).
Thanks
Thank You Michelle!
I just added the Guardians to my hives and I also have two beetle jails in each hive with apple cider vinegar in the center cup and vegetable oil in the outer compartments. The beetle base board sounds interesting also. Thanks for the video and information.
Very welcome!!! Thanks for checking out the video... I try to make things interesting and informative.
I use Johnson's baby oil (a mineral oil) as it doesn't go rancid, and captured SHBs in the bait area.
I just started using peppermint candy with real peppermint oil. This is my second week. I just did a hive inspection. All the candy was gone. I didn’t see any beetles but I have not had a serious problem with them yet.
So far, I only have anecdotal evidence of the peppermint candy assisting with the hive beetles. I want to do some more testing as we get later into the warmer weather this year. I've heard good things, but I want to test a bit more... I may have to update and redo this video to include the use of the peppermint in the hive if it works as is being suggested. 😀 I like finding things that work and are easy (and make my time in the hives more efficient).
@@TwoDovesBees I will try to keep you updated if I have success or not. I saw a few videos of folks having success so I thought I would give it a try. They ate all the candy I put in last week. I only have one hive and I have seen beetles. We will see I guess.
@@scottkennedy4687 - Thank You!!! I'd really appreciate any info or insight you get. Feel free to email me if desired. John@twodoves.com
Great video ✅😁👍
Thanks!!! I'll have to check out your channel... Intrigued by the name... we also do a little metal detecting from time-to-time. :-)
Thank you very much for the information the high beetle I love that board By the company of beetlebuster USA
Thanks... I tried to give a good overview of options for dealing with hive beetles. I'm glad its helpful!
Thanks…
I am about to build my first hives.
That's exciting! I remember building my first hives... it was the beginning of some new adventures (and a bit of work).
Thank you for the info. I'm currently combating small hive beetles and my hive has diminished greatly :( I'm going to help with an extraction from a private residence and will be taking some of those bees to add into my hive to help revive it.
You are very welcome Deanna! Anything you can do to help the bees with the pests will help for sure.
Great information, 😊thanks. I think I missed deadline. ☹ that's ok🙂👍👍
Thank You!!! We'll have some more fun stuff along the way... Thanks for stopping by for a visit... :-)
I would like to share my experience with the Guardian. I put them on both my hive the day i received my bee packages. And all year I saw countless beetles trying to enter but not a one every got in. I swear by these things. Also, yellow jackets and other hornets won't enter through them--its also a great robbing preventions. I would not have a hive without them.
Hello Brad... I really like the Guardian BHE as well. They work well and I've been using them since before the production models came out. I will say that for the price, they are one of the best hive beetle prevention tools that are available (in addition to having strong bee colonies).
@@TwoDovesBees Yes, for the price, you can't beat it.
How much they cost ??? sounds great
Great info! Do they make Beatles buster boards for Layens horizontal hives?
Thanks Stanley… i don’t have the answer to that, but I bet if you give them a shout they can tell you for sure… beetlebusterusa.com I have seen them do special orders as well as warre… so, I know it’s possible,
I have tried all of those things but still have shb in some of my hives. Lost a colony to them this summer. so annoying. Thanks for the good info.
Linda, you got to have your hive boxes very well sealed, SHB can walk in your hive from the sides and top cover.
Thanks Linda... I'm always trying to find good info to share - anything that might help - and pass it on.
The Absolute Best Defense against Shb isn't a trap,nematodes,peppermint or anything else, it is however bee coverage. I use Zero traps or prevention here in Southern Missouri but I only have covered frames in my hives..not a bunch of unprotected combs,never lost a hive because of shb.If they do its beekeeper error.
Thanks @Baddest Bees... I definitely agree that strong colonies are the best answer. That said, I also think that giving hives tools that help the bees isn't a bad choice. Even strong colonies have to deal with SHB.
@@TwoDovesBees yeah I agree,theyd probably rather not have to guard them and be free to do other chores!
Have you tried having your hives in a DRY location, with lots of sun, and keeping the hive at a minimum of 70% full (meaning 7 of the 10 frames are ALWAYS completely covered in bees)?
Start by looking at the actual biology of the small hive beetle. They love damp, moist environments - in fact, their larva DEPEND on it to pupate. So having ground under the hives where the larva cannot pupate stops their lifecycle. The 2nd key is bee population - it takes a volume of bees to guard the insides of their home. The more bees, the better than can guard their home. If you have enough bees in the hive, the beetles cannot lay eggs - thus you'll never have a slimed hive.
In 10 years, I have never had an issue with small hive beetles. And I never use traps, pads, or fake solutions like peppermints. I'll be up to 75 hives this year.
Hello @cornerstonehoneybees525 - Yep.. you betcha... I always recommend having strong colonies as a first line of defense. That one aspect of beekeeping will take care of many of the issues (including small hive beetles) that bee hives and colonies face. Good queens with proper genetics, and strong colonies!!! Around here, it's a two edged sword. The heat can be a major issue in the summer so many beeks move their hives to a more shaded location during the worst of the summer - but that can invite the SHB. I've been doing a bit of a longer term test keeping hives in full sun (with some insulated hive covers from Bee Smart Designs) and some in more shaded areas. I've also been doing some longer term tests putting out beneficial nematodes to deal with larval stage SMB. I've heard of evidence that shows SHB larva can travel quite a distance to find areas to pupate (over many hard surfaces)... I'm talking hundreds of yards (in distance).
What do you fill up the hook on one with?
I use food grade Diatomaceous Earth (DE - which you can get it at most feed stores or on Amazon). Some people suggest using oils, but I didn't want to find and store oil for the beetle traps. I use DE around the homestead so its handy for other purposes (adding to chicken food for example).
arg... just missed the giveaway. But thanks for the knowledge.
Thanks Daniel... Will be doing more giveaways along the way... I appreciate the feedback!
Hello there, I am a Beekeeper "Newbie" just getting started and I would LoVe to be included in your "Care Package Giveaway". I Appreciate the Opportunity and I also Appreciate your knowledge that you share with Us!! So thank you!!
Hello!!! Thanks for stopping by. Keep an eye out as we'll be giving away more things as we go. We always try to share good and relevant information in our videos. Not too much fluff but a little fun - for sure! :-)
3 continent beekeeper, I will try the last cosi.
Hello Enrico... Thanks for stopping by.
Do you turn your Swiffer pats upward or down.
I cut them into quarters and face them upwards.
Great info, lost my first hive to Beatles….
Thanks George… sorry to hear that you last your first one to them… over the years, I’ve had to deal with them - so wanted to share some tips on dealing with them. 👍
Guardian beehive entrance are not available any more. 😪
Hmmm.... I just looked and it appears that you can still find them at some of the bee supply companies (Myers bee supply looked like you could still get them there). I would not be surprised if there aren't different (cheaper maybe) options now.... maybe a plan to do printing of your own using a 3d printer.
If you cut off along the edge of each short end and one long side; the Beetle Blaster can be opened, cleaned and reused.
Interesting... I hadn't thought about that. I typically just take the baseboard off and then clean and oil as needed. Thanks for stopping by and your note. I always appreciate it. Thank You!
I have heard placing walnut leaves inside the hive helps keep wax moth & beetles out too!!!!!?
Thanks Dan... I've seen some notes about walnut leaves and discouraging ants (cinnamon will work as well), but I haven't seen anything specific to hive beetles... I'll have to look into that.
@@TwoDovesBees I have applied cinnamon to repel ants as well and it works a treat.
Can you update this video to show fellow beekeepers the clear plastic hive beetle trap fits on wood frames but not plastic frames.
Hello Patrick... Let me check on that and if needed, I can add a note about the plastic frames. I'll do some testing for sure. Thank You!
Hard peppermint candy in your hive and you will have no beetles or mites. Just try it and you will be amazed. Place it in the corners top and bottom.
Thanks. I've heard that, and seen people talking about using the peppermint candy. I plan to give that a shot and see the results for myself. I have reservations as ants are often an issue in hives and we have lots of ants. While ants will be less problematic for the bees (in that they are not known to be a vector for disease in hives) they can still be an issue. I want to be sure that I'm not introducing another issue for the bees.
@@TwoDovesBees Even before I started using peppermint I placed the small ant traps around the hives. They worked well and the bees can not get in them.
Thank you, one problem
You need close up.
We can't see details
Thanks for the feedback... I appreciate it. I will likely be doing an update for this video at some point this coming summer and I'll be sure to include more closeup details. 😀
Would a robbing screen help?
Hello Kenny... A robbing screen is a great tool, but I'm not sure how effective it would be against small hive beetles. It is an interesting thought and idea though.
Most of the robbing screens that I've seen, work on the premise of closed lower gates and changing the entrance to the hive to an alternate opening (usually at the top of the robbing screen). I suppose that if the lower gates that close off the normal entrance to the hive, are tight enough to the bottom board, it could act as a hive beetle deterrent. All of the robbing screens that I have, leave enough of a gap that I think hive beetles could still find their way in.
Given proper parameters, I bet that if a robbing screen is fit tightly enough to the bottom board, it could act, and work similarly to a product like the Guardian Beehive Entrance (designed to keep out the hive beetles).
Good question!!! Thanks for sharing and commenting.
“The creator can be seen in all the works of His hands, but none more clearly than the wise economy of the honey bee.” - L. L. Langstroth
(Inventor Of The Modern Beehive)
Great quote... Isn't it interesting that much of the foundational work of beekeeping was the work of monks and priests?
Beetle barns + Syngenta roach gel = no more small hive beetles. Two on the bottom board and one on the top of the frames in each box. Tired of screwing around with them and want them gone? Bait them up and keep them in there. Thank me later.
Thanks for stopping by and commenting… I’d have to think hard about that and do a bit of research. The thought of putting bug killer into my hives makes me pause… I have heard about using roach bait to control hive beetles before- but other methods provide decent control…
Have you ever tried putting strips of carpet underneath ur beehives if so u might see one or two hive bettles but that is it
I'm actually trying a couple of different things... I've got shingles under one set and I used nematodes under another... Thanks for the tip though, I may try that in the future.
Everyone treats hive beetles in the hive. No body treats the hive beetles living in the ground below the hive. Treating a hive is only half the problem treating the soil is the other.
Thanks for the comment... I've done some testing with beneficial nematodes around my hives. It's a tough one though... We only have certain times of the year around here in Texas that allows us to get any good use out of the nematodes (we get too hot and too dry). I have thought of other aspects (like allowing our chickens to free range around the hives - and it's doable ). That said, not everyone can run chickens... Do you have any other thoughts or suggestions? I always love to hear what others are doing... 😄
It's tragically infortunate that there isn't an assortment of items to use for a Top Bar hive. Disgusting actually.
Hmmm.... I would think that most of the items discussed in the video can translate or be directly used in top bar hives. I've seen all of them deployed - some with adaption. That includes a top bar hive that was utilizing the Beetle Buster baseboard. I've seen the Guardian Hive Entrance put in place on many top bar hives. Beetle barns, Swiffer sheets, etc. can all be used in top bars... Just curious if you've run across a situation where these beetle control tools can't be used... What are you seeing?
Beetlebuster is good until the bees fill up the holes in the base…
Thanks Will... I have seen that the bees will propolize the holes. I usually take clearing the holes out as part of my normal maintenance of my equipment. I'll check and clear them if I do a complete "to the ground" hive inspection.
🐝💙🐝☮️🐝 SAFE SAVE THE 🍯🐝's PLEASE ☔🌈 THANKS
Thank You Barbara!
Hey John, Diatomaceous Earth is like chopped up fiberglass rods. I would not want that in my food, I don't care if it is food grade or not. Breading that stuff is also bad.
I use Olive oil, it is the same oil that I put in my salad.
An advantage of Olive oil is that it does not go rancid.
And what about dropping the background music. It does not bring any value to your video and it is really really annoying, please. Thanks.
Thanks for the feedback Mark... I appreciate it. I hear you about the oil and have seen people use it. I've had great luck with the DE and it works well for me.
Sulfur dangerous to bees
Sulfur can be dangerous to bees...
@@TwoDovesBees what about 20 10 10 fertilizer that is 20 % nitrogen 10% fosferous and 10 % pot ash
Truthfully, there are uses for all these things - even around bees... just not ON bees and not in the hives... We use fertilizers for bee plants and sulfur on occasion to help with chiggers (one of the worst creatures around in my book).
@@TwoDovesBees oh sorry didnt specify i want to put it in the ground around my hives to help with pests like hive beatle lava just some thing that will that wont hurt the bees i know fertilizer will burn plants in strong dose not sure if sulfur will but objective is to burn or kill hive beatle lava in the ground
No worries... DE will help, but it only lasts until moisture hits it. I've seen people use a variety of "bases" under their hives to help... like stone, gravel, and even roofing shingles... I'm not sure how effective any of them are, but certainly any of them would help. I like the exclusion tools (like the Beetle Buster baseboards) which seem to have the best result that I've been able to document so far. :-)
Why is it that everywhere on CZcams, folks who have very minimal experience with any type of hobby suddenly feel qualified to try to enlighten everyone else on how to fix problems they cannot fix on their own stuff.
That's an interesting comment Steve... You know, when I see a video - whether here on YT, or Facebook, TicTok, or wherever... I try to judge what the person is sharing based on my experience or on my research for whatever the topic might be. Everyone is on their own journey and some have more experience than others. Some people share things that they might have learned - wanting to help others that might not have run across a given situation. Others might want to give ideas on how things might be handled (by sharing their experiences or products that they've found useful). Either way, I try to give grace and patience to everyone... This world has enough hate and intolerance to go around.