HONEY BEE & POLLINATION 
84 pages
Published: 11 May 2026
Author(s): Lubanga, U., Geiberras, D., Hayes, R.A., Farnier, K., Cunningham, J.P.
ISBN: 978-1-76053-596-4
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DownloadThe small hive beetle (SHB) (Aethina tumida) is a major threat to Australia’s $4.6 billion honey bee industry. Adult beetles and larvae damage honey, pollen and brood. They also spread the yeast Kodamaea ohmeri, which ferments hive contents into “slime”. This forces bees to abandon their hives and can cause severe losses. SHB also harms native bees, which are vital for pollination and ecosystem health.
Current control tools offer only limited protection. In‑hive traps and chemical treatments can work, but they often disrupt hive management. Chemical toxicity concerns also restrict their use. Earlier research showed that odour‑based external traps could intercept adult beetles before they enter hives. A fly trap baited with honey fermentate was effective, but it lost strength within days and allowed beetles to escape.
This project aimed to complete the development of a practical external trapping system. Researchers created a new synthetic lure made from volatile compounds that strongly attract adult SHB. They also developed a sachet dispenser that releases these volatiles in stable ratios for several weeks. Field trials in commercial and private apiaries tested lure performance and trap designs. Results show that the system can intercept dispersing beetles and reduce SHB pressure with minimal disruption to beekeepers.
Pollen shortages can weaken honey bee colonies, so beekeepers feed artificial protein supplements. This project tested diets in cages and field hives, revealing amino acid...
This project developed a long‑lasting synthetic lure and dispenser system to improve external trapping of small hive beetles (SHB). Field trials showed strong potential to...
The Australian honey bee and pollination industry, a cornerstone of the nation’s agricultural sector, is facing an unprecedented challenge with the establishment of the parasitic...
This research aimed to contribute to ongoing surveillance of the Australian honey bee virus landscape as varroa establishes and spreads.
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...
Australia’s first National Colony Loss Survey sets a baseline for bee health and tracks early Varroa impacts after its NSW detection. Covering 121,802 colonies, it...
This research investigates the potential use of organic waste as an alternative and sustainable approach to managing Varroa destructor. Current Varroa treatments rely heavily on...
The Australian honey bee industry is a significant contributor to the Australian economy through the production of hive products, such as honey and beeswax and...
