Here's
the small hive beetle trap developed by Sonny and Mel in Arkansas. Look at the dead beetles. I'm so grateful This came from my Bermuda hive where I see the most beetles. Even with these dead ones, I saw plenty of live ones all around on all the hives. Mellona had 2 dead beetles in her trap. I didn't see any
SHBs in Proteus and reinstalled their trap, removed when I got stung last week.
I was relieved to find only SHBs in my trap - the holes are obviously the right size although I need to clean out some of the
propolis.
Circled in black you can see the SHB as I typically see them on the inner cover of the hive. I smashed all of these with my hive tool before putting the inner cover back on the hive.
Many times the bees chase after the SHB, but this one was having a Sunday morning stroll with little interference.
Linda
ReplyDeleteI am glad that it is working, but only count 6. Do you have any idea if it is working enough to make a difference?
There were only 6, but I don't have a huge problem with SHB. I'm satisfied with that number as a measure of the trap's effectiveness. I'm waiting to see the trap in Proteus which has been off the hive for a while and is now back on. I also need to make a new batch of lure since this is still my original lure and has lost some of its potency!
ReplyDeleteCool
ReplyDeleteI don't really know if I have a problem yet. I am so new and it was only the last time I inspected that I was able to confirm eggs in the hives. So looking for SHB was not on the priority list although I had a few fall on me as I was inspecting.
Also, I just added a med super with wax foundation and I know that an empty super can lead to SHB finding more places to hide but post on beemaster, everyone suggested I add one as one of my hives seems to be bursting.
My inspector is coming out on Thur and I think I am going to try to be ready with the trap if he says I have a problem.
Have you had much of an issue with bur comb?
Linda, Thanks for your blog. I am a relatively new beekeeper. i enjoy reading your news and find it very informative. Keep up the good work!
ReplyDeleteLinda
ReplyDeleteI just posted my preliminary results on beemaster. Thanks for making us aware of this.
http://forum.beemaster.com/index.php?topic=10811.0