Small Hive Beetle - Stopping the Beetle from Breeding in Hives

摘要

It was interesting to read about Dr Diana Leemon's research to develop an external trap for Small Hive Beetle (SHB) (The ABK, August 2017, p.42), and her goal that it will attract SHB is a step in the right direction - by moving away from putting chemicals inside the hive, and creating a device that will allow beekeepers to monitor beetle numbers before (and during) placement of hives.However, all the 'traps' and hive modifications available to date, focus on controlling the SHB by reducing its numbers in the hive. No method focuses on changing the environment within the hive in such a way as to allow the bees to carry on their business uninterrupted, but at the same time make it a less attractive place for the SHB to reproduce. If the SHB are discouraged from breeding in the hive environment, they will be less likely to linger, and thus less likely to cause damage. Research to datehas not addressed the major 'essential reasons' as to why the SHB are attracted to the honey bee hives to feed, but more importantly to breed. This is the line of thought I have tried to follow in developing the Bluebees bottom board, and I outline my thoughts below.