ENVS 2210 Lecture Notes - Lecture 22: Small Hive Beetle, Coumaphos, Motor Oil
HONEYBEE PESTS
Most of the information is contained in the textbook. I will emphasize the following:
WAX MOTH
• Adults mate outside the hive and females return to lay eggs
- Damage: this pest is the most damaging of all invertebrate pests known to affect honey
bees. It can reduce drawn comb to webbing and debris
- Types: two species of moths: the greater and the smaller wax moths. The most common
is the first one, Galleria melonella. The moth’s larvae feed on wax, and pollen; they
affect weak colonies. Stored combs in warehouses are also affected during the warmest
months of the year
- Cycle: adults mate outside the hive and females return to lay eggs on combs inside hives.
Larvae burrow tunnels in the midrib of combs. Galleria pupates on wooden frames and
boxes; after pupation, adults emerge. The cycle is completed in 1-6 months, depending on
the time of the year.
- Control: maintaining strong colonies that can defend themselves. Empty equipment must
be stored at freezing temperatures during the winter (freezing temperatures kill the
moths)
• Maintain strong and populous colonies (best measure)
• Store empty equipment at freezing temperatures during winter (best measure)
• Fumigation and chemical products (not really recommended b/c harmful to human);
OTHER INVERTEBRATES
- Ants: sometimes they become a pest and steal honey, pollen and dead bees from hives.
• Like to steal food
• Nest in the inner and outer covers
• Oil, motor oil, diesel, across to stop them from moving
- Wasps: some wasps are carnivorous and may attack and kill bees.
• Try to steal food from the bees
• Protection: entrance reducers
- Small hive beetle: Aethina tumida, was first reported in Canada in 2006 (in Alberta). It
was found in Ontario in 2009. Adults mate inside hives and females lay eggs in crevices
or combs. Larvae feed on honey and pollen and eventually crawl out of the hive and
pupate in the soil. Adults emerge and return to hives. Honey of affected colonies ferments
and spills in the hive.
• New pest in NA
• Found in Essex County (Ontario); found first in Quebec
• Native of SA
• 5mm long
• Fly up to 7km
find more resources at oneclass.com
find more resources at oneclass.com
Document Summary
Most of the information is contained in the textbook. Wax moth: adults mate outside the hive and females return to lay eggs. Damage: this pest is the most damaging of all invertebrate pests known to affect honey bees. It can reduce drawn comb to webbing and debris. Types: two species of moths: the greater and the smaller wax moths. The most common is the first one, galleria melonella. The moth"s larvae feed on wax, and pollen; they affect weak colonies. Stored combs in warehouses are also affected during the warmest months of the year. Cycle: adults mate outside the hive and females return to lay eggs on combs inside hives. Larvae burrow tunnels in the midrib of combs. Galleria pupates on wooden frames and boxes; after pupation, adults emerge. The cycle is completed in 1-6 months, depending on the time of the year. Control: maintaining strong colonies that can defend themselves.