Small Hive Beetle critical temperature

[timgoodin]

Sorry if this has been previously posted, but I can't find it right now.

Does anyone know what the critical outside temperature should be before adding pollen patties in SHB infested areas. I used them last year sometime late fall/winter/spring and had no problems but two years ago seems like it was a bit warmer and the SMB larvae really played havoc with the patties. Our temps now are in the 65 to 45 range for highs and lows but expecting some 50's and 30's in two weeks.

Tim

[scdw43]

There is an article in the Feb 2009 Bee culture written by Dr Mike Hood of Clemson University. The results of the test that they did stated that from 10 Dec to 20 Mar, in upstate SC, hives could be fed pollen patties with no adverse effects, as the larvae of the SHB was unable to pupate in the soil during this time of year because of the cold soil temps not because of the air temps. Your soil temps are colder than upstate SC at this time of year so I think these dates would include your area.

[peacekeeperapiaries]

We use patties whenever necessary here in FL and have found if we use smaller patties we don't see the beetle problems. The bees have time to eat it in a few days and the beetles don't have time to get to it and cause problems. I know I did not answer your question but it might be an option for you if temps are still warm.

[timgoodin]

Thanks for the replies, I ended up placing small pieces of patties around November 1 and there did not seem to be any problem. I went ahead and placed a whole pattie about a week later and the bees are eating it up. No SHB problem although I do see one from time to time.