> From: De Witt <[log in to unmask]>
> To: [log in to unmask]
> Subject: bugs in hive?
> Date: Tue, 11 May 1999 14:22:17 -0500

> , there were three =
>"cockroach" like insects dark brown to black about 3/4 to 1" long.  =
>Please don't let this bee what I hope it is not.
>I don't think the small hive beetle is in Texas

>Cliff
Hello Cliff!
What you saw is simple enough....They  *are* cockroaches!  They are
found usually around the inner covers, mostly above them in colonies
here  in Alabama. I don't recall seeing them elsewhere in the colony
unless it was extremely weak.

Not to start debate as to their significaance, or as to whether or not
they could/can  vector disease or  infection by way of the honey, and
I will accept the point that they are somewhat repulsive in
appearance. There is nothing in the hive that they can contaminate.
So, however this make strike you,  they probably essentially harmless.

If you are worried about hive beetles, forget it1 These roaches are
far to large to qualify;  finally you cannot poison these pests
without  killing the bees.  The interesting question to me is how do
they get up in the top of the colony without a very poorly fitting
hive top.  Has anyone seen bees in a hostile mode toward bees?   I
don't believe I have.

Bob Barnett
Birmingham, Al.