Beetle Trap

The small hive beetle is a small uniform dark brown to black beetle about 5-7mm long with “clubbed” antennae.

The adult beetles are usually found toward the back of the hive on the bottom board, but can often be seen along the frame rests or running along the edges of the inner cover. The females will lay egg masses in protected crevasses in the hive. The larva feed on the honey and pollen.If the infestation is severe enough the bees will abandon the hive.

As they move about the hive they defecate forming a slimy mess which results in the honey fermenting.