1)Beetles fly into honeybee colonies.
2)Beetles lay eggs at protected places.
(Such as the edge of combs and spaces bees can not easily get to.)
3)Larvae hatch and begin eating their way through the hive.
4)Larvae leave the beehive after 10-16 days.
5)Larvae pupate in the soil.
6)Young beetles hatch after 3-4 weeks.
Best Management Practices: In The Bee Yard
·Keep all hives strong, do not try to keep weak hives going.
·Make sure hives are in the full sun.
·Clean up dead outs (slime outs) in yard.
·Check yard at least every 2 weeks.
·Do not leave wax uncovered. Store all wax & honey in covered containers or buckets.
·Do not make splits in a heavily infested yard. Beetles will most likely take over it if it is not strong enough.
·Any honey pulled from an infested yard must be processed and stored in a closed container immediately.
·Do not store empty supers on hives.
·Keep bottom boards clean. Beetles may pupate in debris.
·If using a screened bottom board be sure to use a sealed drawer or tray we diatomaceous earth or clean vegetable oil underneath to catch beetles. ( No holes or gaps)
·Squish all beetles you release. The bees have them trapped till you come around!
·Monitor over all hive health and hygiene. If a hive is weak give it less room or combine it with another hive. Weak hives are welcome places for beetles.
·Stress is the most attractive thing to small hive beetles. Keep your bees happy and healthy and limit the extra tasks they have to do to defend their hive.
·Clean your honey house and wax melter daily.
·Make sure combs are put in hive the same way they were removed. Touching combs create beetle hiding and egg laying zones.
