Hello Dave & All,
I might add to Dave's small hive beetle list.
6. The SHB lives most of the time away from the hive and (like the wax moth)
infests mainly to lay eggs. A weak hive is the hive of choice. Because you
are not finding many beetles in the hive does not mean you are safe from the
SHB if in a known area of SHB infestation.
Bob's advice:
One needs to determine the time of year when (like the wax moth) the SHB is
most prolific in your area at laying eggs and maintain strong hives and
reduced entrances on nucs and weak hives.
Better yet combine weak hives with other weak hives during the period the
SHB is most activce at egg laying.
The above also applies to the time the wax moth is most active also!
In certain parts of the south the period may be most of the year but in
Missouri the period would only be several months.
Bob
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
-- Visit www.honeybeeworld.com/BEE-L for rules, FAQ and other info ---
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::