Worldwide Beekeeping
Beekeeping => Pests and Diseases => Topic started by: Bakersdozen on February 19, 2022, 11:32:23 am
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Has anyone used a screened bottom board with an oil pan, and has it helped with small hive beetles?
RAST, I hope to hear your thoughts since you are located in the South. You might be familiar with the Beatles and the beetles.
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I use solid bottom boards and top of the frame beetle traps like beetle blasters, I don't use pollen patties. I thought about trying swifter sheets, but have not yet. I lost a nuc last year prior to queen release, one frame must have been loaded with eggs when installed, donor hive would have been strong enough to handle it. I also had a weak hive slimed.
And yes, believe it or not, Andy Pitts and I were sent to the Principles office for coming to school with bangs in 1965. Times sure have changed. (my hair changed too)
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Thanks for responding RAST.
I have used the the swiffer sheets exclusively for the past couple of years. They will trap the beetles. Every time I go in to a hive I will flip the sheet over. Some times I find a bunch of SHB hiding underneath on top of the top bars. I may be undoing what the bees have started which is to propolis the beetles in between the top bar and the swiffer sheet. I have had good results with oil traps, but I am terrible about forgetting they are there and making an oily mess out of things. I find the SHB can hide under the lip of the oil beetle jails too.
I have a couple of hives that are in a semi shade spot and I thought I might try the screened bottom boards with oil traps on them.
Being sent to the principles office for bangs? Oh how things have changed. :D