Hive beetles are one of the pests that beekeepers need to keep an eye on, and unfortunately, they can become a big problem if left unchecked. Fortunately, there are several ways to treat hive beetles, and we’ve found a few methods that work well for us here at McGreen Acres.
Typically, you’ll first notice a hive beetle problem during a regular hive inspection. If the hive is large enough, the bees can trap the beetles at the top of the hive, and when you open the lid, they’ll be easy to spot. You’ll likely find them crawling around inside the lid, where they can be smashed. A few beetles here and there aren’t a big concern, but if you start seeing more than just a handful, it’s time to take action.
While there are several ways to control hive beetles, we avoid using chemicals in our bee operations. Here are the methods we use that are both effective and chemical-free:
One common suggestion is to place the hives in full sunlight. In hotter climates like ours here in Texas, this might seem like a good idea. However, in our experience, this isn’t the best option for the bees or the beekeeper, as it can lead to stress for both. We prefer to explore other solutions.
We’ve found that certain mechanical methods work wonders. One of our go-to solutions is installing special hive entrances that confuse the beetles. This gives us a leg up in preventing them from infesting the hives too heavily. I’m planning to order more of these entrances so I can apply them to all of our hives.
Another effective method we use is placing hive traps inside the hives. These traps fit into the top of the hive, and once oil is added, they drown or smother the beetles. We prefer using organic coconut oil in our traps, staying true to our chemical-free approach. We’ve found these traps to be a great way to keep the beetle population under control. You can check out one of the traps we use here.
Dealing with hive beetles can be a little tricky, but with the right treatment methods and a bit of vigilance, you can keep your bees happy and healthy. We strive to maintain a chemical-free environment for our bees, and these natural measures help us stay true to that commitment. By monitoring the hive regularly and using a mix of mechanical solutions, we’ve been able to stay ahead of the beetle problem and keep our hives thriving.
Taking care of our hives goes beyond just controlling pests; it’s part of our larger mission to raise our bees the way we raise our kids, with care, respect and sustainability. We take pride in our chemical-free approach to beekeeping, and by using natural methods, we not only keep the hive beetles in check but also ensure the well-being of our bees and the environment.
And, of course, the end result is worth the effort. Our bees produce some of the best honey around, clean and natural! We’re proud to offer our pure, raw honey, harvested with care from our healthy hives. If you’re interested in tasting the fruits of our labor, you can purchase our honey directly from our online store when it’s available.
