Photo courtesy of the UK Food and Environment Research Agency
Small Hive Beetle has been reported in Brazil.
In March 2015, a swarm of honey bees (Apis mellifera) was captured and held in the apiary of the Useful Insects Laboratory, at the University of São Paulo. Days later, 20 adult females of the small hive beetle (Aethina tumida Murray) were detected in the crate containing the swarm. No larva was found and no apparent damage was observed to the hive.
However, the incident was not reported to the veterinary service until December 2015. Confirmation that they were SHB was confirmed in February 2016. Fortunately, investigation of the original hives did not show the presence of the beetle.
An investigation in a 20 km radius of the original infested hive is underway. In an apiary in a neighboring area, adults of a similar beetle were detected.
It seems that there is a standstill order in place in the area and the investigation has been extended. Beekeepers and related industries are being notified.
Beetle Blaster, from Vita, can act as an early warning alert as well as a trap for the beasts!
