Dadant screend bottom board w beetle trap

[KC- BEE]

Newbee question- I bought the screened bottom board with a beetle trap and I dont see how the beetles will get into the trap because the holes in the screen are too small. So how can it help with the beetles?

[fish_stix]

In-the-hive traps work best. Try the Cutts Beetle Blasters with veggie oil; 2 traps per box at opposite sides. You can add a little red wine vinegar to attract them. As you've found, an adult SHB can't fall through #8 screen wire, too big. At least Deep South SHB are too big! Maybe those little Yankee SHB can fit through!

[Sarahatl]

fish stix....so you use red wine vinegar AND the veggie oil....does canola oil work as well as veggie oil?

[slwethrs]

Doesn't the screened bottom board allow the SHB larvae to drop down below the hive and suffocate in the oil? At least that is what I have found, the dead SHB larvae down in my west beetle traps. I also use the beetle blaster inside the hive two trap the adult beetles.

I buy canola for cooking and that is what I happen to have in the house to use in the traps. Looks like it works for me.

[KC- BEE]

A new, weak hive swarmed today after the beetles overwelmed them. I think you are right about the larvae and the screen. The screen is for the laevae after seeing them on the bottom board they are small. I had beele jail traps installed for about a week and must have had 40 beatles in them. I am new and have a lot to learn thanks for replying.

[PDG honey]

Once the maggots are on the bottom board its to late. Trap trap trap. Its the only way to keep a hive from being slimed. Strong hives are less likely to be slimed, but thats what attracts them to the yard in the first place. Beetle eaters, cd traps, and oil pools under the hive all help with killing SHB. Hope this helps. Phillip