Honey bee-Small hive beetle

Aethina tumida

Pest description The small hive beetle (SHB) was first reported in the United States in 1998. The SHB is believed to be native to sub-Saharan Africa and now can be found in most states in the U.S. As a hive pest, SHB larvae feed on honey and pollen stores and may also affect brood combs. States where the beetle occurs mainly report damage to stored honey and combs. Storage of honey under conditions of reduced relative humidity (< 50%) has been shown to be effective in preventing SHB egg hatch and reducing damage caused by SHB larvae. This pest has been reported in Oregon and Washington, but has not been associated with significant losses of stored honey, equipment or live colonies.

For more information: The Small Hive Beetle: A Potential Pest in Honey Bee Colonies in Oregon

https://catalog.extension.oregonstate.edu/em9143

https://bee-health.extension.org/managing-small-hive-beetles/