Investigations on small hive beetle biology to develop better control options

Abstract

The small hive beetle (SHB), Aethina tumida Murray, was first detected in Australia in 2002. Since then it has become a major pest of bee hives, spreading rapidly throughout the eastern mainland states. When conditions are suitable, beetles lay their eggs within bee hives and honey sheds, often in the combs, either in the hive or in stored honey combs pre- or post-extraction. Hatching larvae then feed on the honey, pollen, bee eggs, bee larvae and brood. The resulting contamination of the honey renders it useless for extraction, thereby leaving beekeepers bereft of their main source of income from the hives. Beekeepers also face the cost of cleaning contaminated supers and hives and restoring colonies to full strength or even replacing colonies following heavy infestations. A number of strategies to minimise the impact of SHB are already in use in Australia, and include trapping devices, insecticide delivery mechanisms, modifications to hive designs, improved beekeeping techniques and hygienic procedures. However, SHB continues to cause large-scale economic losses within the industry. It is clear that a better understanding of the biology of the SHB is required if beekeepers are to effectively manage this pest using a sustainable, integrated approach. This project sought to elucidate a number of biological and behavioural characteristics of SHB that directly relate to damage in hives and honey houses. The research was aimed at generating data that would support and enhance the effectiveness of existing SHB control strategies as well as provide the basis for new strategies, for the commercial and amateur beekeeping industry.

Date of Award	2011
Original language	English