SHB Abilene Texas

[The Professor]

Does anyone know if SHB is a problem in Abilene Texas? I moved to Abilene about a month ago and moved my one hive down from Arkansas last weekend. I noticed more SHB than I've ever seen before when I removed the duct tape from the hive entrance after relocating the hive. They must have found some sanctuary where the tape met the hive and when I removed the tape I saw 10 or 12 run into the hive. The relative humidity gets down to around 30% during the day here. I've read that 50% humidity and below will make the SHB eggs dry out and not hatch. However, I don't know what the humidity inside the hive is. I hope it's low enough to make the SHB eggs dry out.

[summer1052]

Professor --
SHB are a problem in Texas, period. Do not believe the stuff about humidity. They are opportunistic beggars of uncertain parentage. SHB eggs will not dry out in the hive in my experience.

You need to choose a solution to the problem -- traps, etc., as your inclinations dictate. I use traps, full sun, and bare earth beneath the hives myself. Some people recommend DE, but I've watched the SHB run back and forth over it with no problems, so I don't bother. If you have SBB, I cannot suggest strongly enough that you REMOVE them. I've also seen far too many SHB use those to their advantage to the detriment of the bees.

Welcome to TX! I assume you are going to teach at: ACU, HSU, McMurray, or Cisco? My great grandad helped start ACU, and I still have kith and kin in Abilene. Good luck with your beekeeping in the Big Country.

Summer

[mmmooretx]

They are a problem here in Houston. I am trying out some SHB specific nematodes and have had them in the dirt around the hive for about 2 weeks the numbers seem down, but I want a couple more weeks before I celebrate. I have some other posts here on this subject, and where I bought them.