How to Use Swiffer Pads to Control Small Hive Beetles

Learn how to use Swiffer pads to control Small Hive Beetles. A challenge that comes with bee keeping is Small Hive Beetles (SHB), a pest that can wreak havoc on your hives if they’re not properly managed.

picture of honey bees and small hive beetles crawling over pollen filled comb

What are Small Hive Beetles?

Small Hive Beetle larvae crawling in and over comb in a bee hive.

SHB larvae are small, measuring 10-12mm in length. In early stages they are creamy white and as they mature they develop a slightly darker tint. The larvae are usually crawling around the honey stores and brood area of the hive.

Adult small hive beetle on the finger of a person

Adult SHB’s are dark brown to black and are about 5-7mm long. Adult beetles can be seen scurrying across the frames and interior of the hive.

Common Damages Caused by Small Hive Beetles (SHB)

Small Hive Beetles are capable of causing extensive damage to beehives. Here are some common ways beetles can damage your hives:

Damage to Honey Stores – SHB larvae tunnel through honeycombs, feeding on honey and pollen. They defecate in the honey which introduces yeast and bacteria to the hive that cause fermentation. This makes your honey slimy, discolored, and sour-smelling. Once this happens the honey can’t be used by either bees or beekeepers.

Destruction of Comb – SHB larvae burrow through wax comb creating a system of tunnels. These tunnels weaken the structural integrity of the comb and making it more likely to collapse. Bees may abandon damaged comb.

Contamination of Pollen – SHB larvae feed on stored pollen contaminating it with their excrement. The bees won’t eat the contaminated pollen. This is a huge loss of essential nutrients that the hive needs for raising their brood. The lack in nutritious pollen can result in decreased brood production and weakened colony development.

Additional Damages Caused by Small Hive Beetles (SHB)

Damage to Brood – SHB larvae will also eat unprotected bee eggs and larvae. This leads to increased brood mortality rates and severely impacts the colony growth and sustainability which causes a decline in the bee population.

Hive Abandonment – Severe SHB infestations create stressful conditions that can lead bees to abscond. Absconding is when the entire bee colony abandons the hive in search of a safer environment. This results in a complete loss of the colony.

Secondary Pests and Pathogens – SHB damage can attract secondary pests and facilitate the growth of pathogens. Damaged and fermented honey can attract other pests such as wax moths and ants. Contaminated hive conditions can promote the growth of pathogens, increasing the risk of diseases such as American Foulbrood and Nosema.

Frame of comb with bees and small hive beetles on it.

How to use Swiffer Pads to Control Small Hive Beetles

Beekeepers have found a new use for a common household cleaning product. The texture and material of Swiffer pads are perfect for trapping small hive beetles.

A picture of a unscented Swiffer pads box.

Why Use Unscented Swiffer Pads for Small Hive Beetles?

Texture: The fibers in Swiffer pads are fine enough to trap beetles which prevents them from escaping.

Accessibility: Swiffer pads are available in most stores and are affordable. This makes them an easy addition to your hive management toolkit.

Non-Toxic: Swiffer pads do not introduce harmful substances into the hive environment.

Step-by-Step Guide to Using Swiffer Pads in Beehives

Cut the Swiffer pads into smaller 2-3″ strips. You can experiment with different sizes to find out what works best for you.

cutting a Swiffer pad using scissors to put in a bee hive. Swiffer pads hive beetle control

Place the cut Swiffer pads on top of the frames in your hive. It’s best to place them in areas where beetles are commonly seen.

Installing a Swiffer pad in a bee hive. Small hive beetle treatment Swiffer pads

Controlling Small Hive Beetles with Swiffer Pads

Using Swiffer pads enhances small hive beetles management. Check the Swiffer pads for trapped beetles each time you inspect your hives. Regularly replacing Swiffer pads as needed helps to maintain their effectiveness and ensures continuous trapping of SHB.

Bee hive with a Swiffer pad on it with small hive beetles trapped on the Swiffer pad. Controlling hive beetles with Swiffer pads

How to Prevent Small Hive Beetles in Your Hive

Place your hives in a sunny, well-drained areas. Small hive beetles prefer shady and damp conditions. If you maintain strong colonies with a large bee population, they will be able to defend against small hive beetle infestation. Regular hive inspections are important in order to catch infestations early. Keep your apiary clean by removing dead colonies and old comb as they are breeding grounds for small hive beetles.

How Often to Replace Swiffer Pads in Your Hive

First 24-48 Hours – Conduct regular hive inspections every 1-2 weeks during active SHB season (spring through fall). During these inspections you will want to check the Swiffer pads for trapped beetles.

Every 1-2 Weeks – Conduct regular hive inspections every 1-2 weeks during active SHB seasons (spring through fall). During your inspections you will need to check the Swiffer pads for trapped beetles. If you have a heavy infestation of beetles you will need to replace the pads more frequently.

Seasonal Adjustments – During the peak SHB activity season you may need to replace pads more often due to higher beetle population. In colder months, when the SHB activity is lower, you won’t have to replace the Swiffer pad as often.

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