Small Hive Beetle Locations

[Jeffzhear]

This may have been covered in the past, and after a quick search I really couldn't tell, have small hive beetles been found in Northeast PA or South Central NY? I was under the presumption that they were primarily a southern problem... Should I be looking out for them?

[Gene Weitzel]

I have not heard of much problem with them in the colder climates. I have read stories of the larvae being able to survive being frozen, but by my experience they cannot. Last year I put about 5 frames of comb that were full of the little buggers in a deep freeze. A few days later I thawed them out and they were all dead, dead, dead. They could come into a northern area as "hitchhikers" on migratory bees or packages so I would keep an eye out for them. Some of these "hickhikers" could pose a seasonal problem in the summer months if your hives are located on sandy soil, but I doubt they would survive the winter to become established on an ongoing basis.

[Mike Gillmore]

I'm in NE Ohio and some local beekeepers had hive beetles get into their honey supers that they delayed extracting. I would guess that you are in a similar climate, so be watchful. They are around. I don't think they will be as devastating as they are in the south, but do not turn your back.

[clintonbemrose]

I lost an observation hive here in Michigan this winter. The SHB larva were confirmed by the Beltsville lab and also at Michigan State University. The larva trashed the hive so bad that I built a new hive and frames with new foundation. I kept the old one in the barn to air out after power washing it and it still smells very strong. It is so bad that other bees will not even rob out the honey that is in the combs. Yes SHB can be a problem in the North.
One day the hive was good but the next day the SHB larva were 1 inch deep on the bottom
Clint