Project snapshot: Optimisation and Evaluation of an External Trap as a Mass Trapping and Monitoring Device for Small Hive Beetles

The small hive beetle (SHB) (Aethina tumida) poses a serious threat to the Australian honeybee industry, which is valued at $4.6 billion annually for its honey products and pollination services to horticulture and crops. Current control methods for this pest include in-hive traps and pesticides, but these have practicality and toxicity issues, respectively. This next-phase project, led by Agriculture Victoria, aimed to improve this trap by developing and field validating a synthetic lure based on the honey-fermentate odour. The work would also include developing a suitable lure-dispensing technology (sachet dispenser) to improve longevity of the lure and the trap design to enhance beetle retention capacity.

Key learnings 

– Despite a concerted effort in designing and testing 29 prototype lures over two seasons across six field sites, the project team were unable to develop a field-effective synthetic lure for adult SHB

– The project did not result in a field-effective trap featuring a synthetic lure, but it successfully established a robust scientific approach aligned with developing a lure and trap for this pest

– Improvements to honey fermentate longevity might be achieved through several methods, including manipulating the amount of yeast, the balance of sugar and honey substrate, and the addition of a nitrogen source.