----- Original Message ----- From: "Tom Barrett" <[log in to unmask]> To: <[log in to unmask]> Sent: Friday, November 01, 2002 10:46 AM Subject: [BEE-L] Small Hive Beetle Hello Tom and All, >I know that some American beekeepers have had to put up with this >latest pest for about four years and that Coumaphos seems to give >adequate control. Those wishing to get first hand information on the small hive beetle can find first hand information on the Florida Beekeepers list. I get most of my information from Florida bee inspectors and Florida commercial beekeepers but the list has over a 100 posts from small to large beekeepers explaining their own problems with the SHB. A recent post by a Florida beekeeper which works with a commercial beekeeper. Posted on the Florida list by William Lewis: "I will say that I have done just about everything possible to keep the small hive beetle at bay." "Spraying the ground, traps, etc., but to no avail. A waste of time and money". Mr. Lewis's post is typical of the frustration caused by keeping bees in areas of SHb infestation. If you dislike cleaning up a dead hive taken over by the wax moth you are really going to dislike cleaning up a hive slimed by the SHB. The small hive beetle causes in many cases the bees to abscond.The SHB travels with the swarm to the new location. Posted by Herb of the Florida list: "The swarms I'm talking about are free hanging. Freshly absconded, usually a day or two. and before they found a permanent home. Adult beetles were with the bees in the swarm." Sincerely, Bob Harrison *Lurker* on the Florida list. Raised in Florida and started beekeeping in Florida. Parents lived in Florida until passed away. Frequent visitor to Florida and may return to Florida to stay in the future.