In-hive Fungal Biocontrol of Small Hive Beetle

Abstract

The small hive beetle (SHB) (Aethina tumida), is a native scavenger of bee hives in South Africa where it is regarded as a minor pest. It was discovered in Australia in 2002. Since this time SHB populations have increased in number and range in the eastern states of Australia where in some areas they are causing significant losses. There is concern for even greater damage from this pest to the apiary industry in the warm moist regions of Australia if management practices to check its spread are not developed and implemented.