SHB In Oregon

The small hive beetle is an invasive and damaging pest of honey bee colonies. It has been occasionally observed in honey bee colonies in Oregon, but no significant damage from this beetle has yet been reported. It is not clear whether this beetle can thrive in Oregon’s soil and climatic conditions. Early detection, reporting, and monitoring of small hive beetles may help mitigate its establishment in this region.

Keep small hive beetle from getting a strong hold in Oregon bee colonies! Learn them, watch for them, trap them, and report them!

The adults are:

• brown to black in color

• oval shaped

• about ¼ inch (5.7 mm) long (about one-third the size of a honey bee)

• stout, squat in shape

• no additional elongated segments of the other beetles

Where to find them:

• Cracks and crevices in colony

• Weak colonies

• Honey houses with stored honey supers

• Protein patties

Prevent SHB establishment!

• Keep strong colonies

• Promptly remove deadouts

• Extract honey immediately after harvest

• Do not feed protein patties during almond pollination

• Carefully inspect packages, nucs, queens purchased from areas with established SHB

• Watch for them, report them if you find them.