Feasibility of in hive control of adult small hive beetles 'Aethina tumida' Murray (Coleoptera: Nitidulidae) with an insecticide treated refuge trap

The significant impact of small hive beetle on the profitability of bee keeping in eastern Australia prompted research into the use of insecticidal traps for deployment in beetle infested hives. A prototype refuge trap comprising foil-covered fiproniltreated corrugated cardboard achieved up to 100% control of adult beetles in field efficacy trials conducted in western Sydney apiaries. Although demonstrating the feasibility of using such a refuge trap against beetle infestations damage to some traps by resident bees and resultant bee deaths highlighted the need for a more robust cover for the insecticide-treated cardboard insert.