HOW TO DEAL WITH THE SMALL HIVE BEETLE

How to Deal with the Small Hive Beetle in South African Beehives

This article is part of our complete guide to Starting Beekeeping in South Africa.

The small hive beetle (Aethina tumida) is a destructive pest found across South Africa.

While strong colonies can usually defend themselves, unmanaged infestations can lead to slime-out, comb destruction, and hive collapse.

Early detection and proper management are essential.

What Is the Small Hive Beetle?

• A small, dark brown to black beetle (~5–7mm).
• Hides in dark corners and under hive lids.
• Lays eggs in crevices or comb.
• Larvae tunnel through wax and contaminate honey with faeces, causing fermentation and slime-out.

By James D. Ellis – This image is Image Number 5025046 at Invasive.org, a source for images of invasive and exotic species operated by The Bugwood Network at the University of Georgia and the USDA APHIS Plant Protection and Quarantine program., CC BY 3.0, Link

Signs of Infestation

• Adult beetles running on frame surfaces when hive is opened.
• Fermented, frothy honey (slimy or bubbly appearance).
• Sour smell inside the hive.
• Bee larvae dying or abandoned.
• Honey oozing from comb or pooling at the bottom board.

✅ A strong colony may suppress beetles, but overpopulation can still cause damage.

Prevention Tips

• Keep colonies strong and well-fed – weak hives are more vulnerable.
• Avoid placing hives in shaded or damp areas.
• Use hives with tight-fitting lids and inner covers.
• Inspect hives every 7–10 days during warm seasons.
• Avoid over-supering (giving too much space for bees to defend).

Monitoring for Beetles

• Use corrugated beetle traps or oil traps in the hive base.
• Check traps regularly for beetle activity.
• Shine a torch into hive corners—beetles often run from light.

Control and Treatment Options

1. Physical Traps

• Beetle Blaster traps – Insert into frame slots; fill with cooking oil or diatomaceous earth.
• Bottom board traps – Catch falling beetles using screened bases.

2. Soil Treatment

• Beetle larvae pupate in the soil beneath hives.
• Drench ground with nematodes or insecticide soil treatments.

✅ Rotate hive positions slightly to prevent larvae from establishing in soil.

3. Mechanical Removal

• Squash visible beetles during inspections.
• Freeze infected frames for 48 hours.

Do Not Use

• Harsh chemicals inside the hive (can harm bees).
• Fumigation methods not approved for beekeeping.
• Imported traps without testing (not all traps work with SA hive dimensions).

Emergency Action for Heavy Infestations

• Remove and isolate infected comb.
• Reduce hive volume if colony is weak.
• Relocate colony to a drier, sunnier area.
• Replace damaged frames and clean hive thoroughly.

Downloadable Checklist

Click here to download a small hive beetle inspection and control checklist (Coming soon!)

Final Thoughts

The small hive beetle is manageable with regular inspections, strong colonies, and simple traps.

Stay proactive – early detection is the key to protecting your bees.