Here’s a few of the most effective mechanical traps for small hive beetles
The most effective mechanical traps for small hive beetles (SHB) are those that physically capture or kill beetles without using chemicals, and their effectiveness can vary depending on hive configuration and beetle pressure.
Top options include:
- Oil Pan/Screened Bottom Board Traps: These replace the bottom board or are placed underneath with a pan partially filled with vegetable oil or mineral oil. As beetles fall through the screened bottom board, they are trapped and drowned in the oil. This method is highly effective, easy to maintain, and doesn’t require removal during inspections[1][2].
- Beetle Blaster and Cutts Beetle Blaster: Disposable plastic traps that hang between frames and are filled with oil. Beetles crawl inside and drown. They are simple, cost-effective, and popular with beekeepers, especially for lighter beetle loads[3][1][4].
- Swiffer/Dine-A-Max/Brawny Cloth Sheets: Unscented Swiffer or special sheets are placed over frames or in hive corners. Bees chew them into a fuzzy mat, trapping the beetles who become stuck and die—a chemical-free method that works well but may sometimes be propolized by the bees[1][3].
- Beetle Barns: Small reusable plastic traps baited with attractive lures or apple cider vinegar, with side wells filled with oil. The lure draws in the beetles, who drown in the oil. These work effectively when kept clean and serviced regularly[5].
- Chux/Apithor Traps: Used in some regions (such as Australia), these utilize blue Chux or similar pads to physically trap beetles, or Apithor traps (commercial, with toxicant in some regions) as a mechanical option[6].
Key tips:
- Oil-based traps (oil pans, blasters, barns) are the most consistent and easy to monitor.
- Swiffer/Brawny sheets are highly effective for chemical-free trapping and easy to replace.
- All traps should be checked and cleaned frequently for maximum control.
- Always use traps that prevent bee access to toxic materials and avoid messy spills of oil within the hive.
In Summary:
Screened bottom board oil trays, Beetle Blasters, and Swiffer sheets are widely recognized as the most effective and practical options for SHB control in a range of beekeeping environments[1][3][6].
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- https://www.beekeepingmadesimple.com/blog/small-hive-beetle-traps
- https://www.arbico-organics.com/category/small-hive-beetle-control
- https://www.dadant.com/learn/best-traps-for-hive-beetles/
- https://www.reddit.com/r/Beekeeping/comments/1738zc7/dealing_with_small_hive_beetles/
- https://www.homesweetbees.com/how-to/2016/8/15/adding-small-hive-beetle-traps
- https://forum.honeyflow.com/t/shb-blue-chux-traps/29113
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