How to Treat and Prevent Small Hive Beetle Infestations in Beehives

Small Hive Beetle Control Video Tutorial Keeping Backyard Bees

These honeybees are trying to corral a small hive beetle. These pests invade the beehive and lay eggs in the honeycomb, causing damage and destroying the wax! #Honeybees 🐝 #Beekeeping #SmallHiveBeetle #HiveProtection #PestControl #Honeycomb #BeeHealth #SaveTheBees #BeeAware #InsectIntervention | BeensBees

Small hive beetle damage is identifiable by the larva's destruction of the comb, which is accompanied by excrement that quickly ferments. Adult beetles can also be seen actively searching for suitable locations to lay additional eggs. To mitigate this damage, it is essential to place the affected frame in a freezer for 24 hours, effectively eliminating all adults, eggs, and larva. Once frozen and subsequently thawed, the frame can be reintroduced into a robust hive, allowing the bees to clean aw