Small hive beetle adult (actual size 1/4 inch).

Comb slimed by hive beetle larvae. Hives infested at this level will drive out bee colonies.

Originally from Africa, the first discovery of small hive beetles in the US occurred in Florida in 1987. They are mainly limited to the southeastern portion of the United States, but are slowly spreading with the annual migration of honeybee colonies used for pollination in other areas of the country.

The life cycle of this beetle includes part of its development in the ground outside of the hive. Controls to prevent ants from climbing into the hive are believed to also be effective against the hive beetle. Several beekeepers are experimenting with the use of diatomaceous earth around the hive as a way to disrupt the beetle's lifecycle. The diatoms abrade the insect's surface, causing them to dehydrate and die.

Several pesticides are currently used against the small hive beetle. The chemical is commonly applied inside the corrugations of a piece of cardboard. Standard corrugations are large enough that a small hive beetle will enter the cardboard through the end but small enough that honeybees can not enter (and thus are kept away from the pesticide).

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