[log in to unmask]  wrote:  I have found predatory nematodes give good control of SHB.

Diotima,
      The mode of control you've mentioned affects the inter-stage between the larval stage and the pupal stage of the small hive beetle.  That does not affect the destructive stage of the beetle which is the larval stage.   Putting that aside, how well have you found that predatory nematodes have controlled the population level of beetles in your hives?  I know that what you have is anecdotal evidence, but still your experience with this control method should be informative.  I have used these nematodes on a yard that I no longer have so was not able to really get a feel for how they worked as a control method.
     By the way, I have found a good method of moving hive beetles out of a colony although it is labor intensive.   You just take the entire hive for a ride in a trailer.  For some reason, the vibration of hive on the trailer causes ALL of the larvae to vacate the premises.  Using a screened bottom board in the operation greatly facilitates the removal of the larvae.  By the way,  ALL of the larvae leave, no matter how old they are.  It's best to have something under the hive to catch the vacating larvae so as to not spread them all over the road you're traveling thus giving the older larvae a chance to crawl off and pupate.   I was truly amazed to see this occurrence the first time I moved some hives that were populated by SHB larvae.

Mike in LA

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