Last year here in KS we were experiencing drought conditions and I never saw one small hive beetle. This year, we have had tremendous rainfall, which has been great for the nectar flow and terrible for pests. I have seen lots of SHB's this year in my hives, which were actually new bees on wooden equipment that I had frozen and cleaned over the winter months. I made some of the small hive beetle traps that Don the Fatbeeman has on youtube. I hope they work because I don't need this problem. I need my girls to make me some honey and bring in some money. So far, beekeeping for me has done nothing but cost me money and time. I love the aspect of keeping bees to help the environment and to play a part with mother nature, but let's face it folks... this is no hobby for people with limited income.
I was just wondering if anyone else in the midwest has experienced a large increase in the number of small hive beetle this year as opposed to previous years.
I was just wondering if anyone else in the midwest has experienced a large increase in the number of small hive beetle this year as opposed to previous years.