How many hive beetles is too many?

[a wannabee]

I noticed a few hive beetles yesterday and was wondering how many around a hive are too many and at what point should I put in a trap?

Also, out of curiosity, what do these beetles live on if there is no hive around. Is a hive just a more attractive enviroment than the one they live on or are they mobile enough to only seek out bee hives?

[pdmattox]

In my opinion you should have a trap on as prevenitive maintence. If you saw one there are more. Here are some links on the subject.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/AA257

http://www.doacs.state.fl.us/pi/enpp/ento/aethinanew.html

[HAB]

Here (S.Central Al.) SHB's are a major problem.  We are installing traps on every hive as we build them.  Currently installing the "Sandwich Container with Lure" traps.  Hope to get a head start on the dang things.  The nearest "Old Beek" has really been having it rough. Between the V-Mite's and SHB's his loses have been staggering.  He has been reluctant to try anything new to stop them, he is still doing everything the same way his Grandfather taught his Father taught him. Hope to be able to talk him in to attending the next meeting of the S. E. Al. Beekeepers to share his knowledge and to possibly learn a few new tricks. :)