Small hive beetle (SHB) pressure increases in warm weather, making ongoing monitoring and control especially important through summer. Apithor® is a harbourage insecticide bait used inside approved beetle traps, designed to target beetles while keeping bees separated from the active ingredient by the trap’s physical design.
How Apithor helps manage SHB
- Used inside in-hive beetle traps placed between frames or on the hive floor
- Beetles are attracted to the harbourage and killed inside the trap, reducing breeding pressure
- Supports an integrated pest management (IPM) approach alongside good hive hygiene and strong colonies
- Suitable for use in honey bee hives when used strictly according to label directions
Australian biosecurity guidance notes that effective SHB control relies on early detection, strong colonies, good apiary hygiene, and in-hive trapping systems, with harbourage insecticides forming part of that integrated strategy (NSW Department of Primary Industries; Australian Honey Bee Industry Council).
As always, correct placement, regular checking of traps, and strict adherence to label instructions are essential for safe and effective use.
