Little bugs

[gunny]

Was working with 2 of my hives today and noticed some small bugs running around loose in both hives.  Small (18") dark beetle looking bugs.  Bees didn't seem to pay them any attention.  Good strong solid hives with plenty of stores of both pollen and honey.  No wax moths (about the worst pest I've had).

If they are SHB, will the bees take care of them on their own or will I need to do something to help the girls?

Looks like we are going to have a real good honey year.

OOPS, meant 1/8" sized bugs.

[JP]

Was working with 2 of my hives today and noticed some small bugs running around loose in both hives.  Small (18") dark beetle looking bugs.  Bees didn't seem to pay them any attention.  Good strong solid hives with plenty of stores of both pollen and honey.  No wax moths (about the worst pest I've had).

If they are SHB, will the bees take care of them on their own or will I need to do something to help the girls?

Looks like we are going to have a real good honey year.

They are most likely shb, strong colonies survive just fine with them, they will take over a weak hive rapidly. Some on here are using AJ's hive beetle traps with good success.


...JP

[Erik T]

Small 18" dark beetle looking bugs?  I'd hardly call that small.  If I found something like that hanging around, I'd have to take it out with the 7mm magnum.  :-D

I'm guessing you meant 0.18", in which case it's small hive beetles.  Install a West or AJ beetle trap and try to put your hives in full sun.

[Ross]

This is an SHB.....

[UtahBees]

How about Box Elder bugs? I've found a few hanging around my hive lately.

Scott