The small hive beetle, a pest that has been wreaking havoc on bee colonies across India, has left a trail of destruction in its wake. The beetle’s larvae are particularly damaging, destroying hives by consuming pollen and secreting a foul mucus that sours the honey and drives entire colonies to flee.

• Over 60,000 beekeepers and an annual honey production of around 1,200 metric tons make the state a vital hub for apiculture.
• However, the small hive beetle is now threatening the state’s bee population, causing significant financial losses for apiculturists.

The small hive beetle’s impact on bee colonies is multifaceted. The larvae of these beetles feed on pollen, which is essential for the growth and development of honey bees. Moreover, the beetles secrete a foul mucus that sours the honey, making it unpalatable to consumers. This not only affects the quality of honey but also drives the bees away from their hives, leaving them vulnerable to predators and other threats. The small hive beetle is a fast-spreading pest that has been introduced to the Indian subcontinent, primarily through interstate transportation of bee colonies. The pest has already spread across several states, including West Bengal, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana. In fact, the University of Agricultural Sciences (UAS), Bengaluru, has been closely tracking this pest for the past year, and scientists have sounded the alarm bells loudly.

According to Dr KS Jagadish, professor and head of the department of apiculture at UAS, the small hive beetle entered India through West Bengal and has now spread across the country. “Interstate transportation of colonies has contributed to the spread of this pest,” he explained. “While it impacts both species of honey bees — Apis cerana and Apis mellifera — the former has suffered the worst as the entire colony flees if infected.”

Dr Vijay Kumar, another scientist at UAS, emphasized the importance of adopting best hygiene practices to prevent the spread of the small hive beetle. “We advise apiculturists to clean the bottom board of the hive once every 8 to 10 days,” he said. “The beetle is just 2 to 3 millimetres in size and hard like rubber, but it can lay 300 to 400 eggs. Hence, one should not allow the accumulation of dust and broken twigs at the bottom boards.”

Mahadeva Swamy, an apiculturist from MM Hills, shared his experience with the small hive beetle. “Scientists and horticulture officials visited our farm for a survey. Luckily, we are free of infection as we do not source any colony from outside. However, there have been reports that in Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and other southern states, it is spreading fast.”

The small hive beetle’s impact on the Indian beekeeping industry is significant. With over 60,000 beekeepers and an annual honey production of around 1,200 metric tons, the state is a vital hub for apiculture. However, the small hive beetle’s threat to the bee population is causing significant financial losses for apiculturists.

“The beekeepers are worried because this pest is affecting the quality of their honey and the livelihoods of their families. The beekeepers are also worried about the impact on the environment as the bees are not able to pollinate the crops effectively,” said Dr KS Jagadish.

The small hive beetle’s spread across the country highlights the need for a coordinated effort to prevent its spread. Apiculturists, scientists, and government officials must work together to develop effective control measures and prevent the spread of this pest.

Key Points to Remember

• The small hive beetle is a fast-spreading pest that is threatening the bee population in India.
• The beetle’s larvae feed on pollen, which is essential for the growth and development of honey bees.
• The pest is primarily introduced through interstate transportation of bee colonies.
• Effective control measures include regular inspection of bee colonies, maintaining hive hygiene, and burning and destroying pest-affected hives.
• The spread of the small hive beetle highlights the need for a coordinated effort to prevent its spread.

What Can You Do?

• Support local beekeepers and promote sustainable beekeeping practices.
• Spread awareness about the small hive beetle and its impact on the bee population.
• Encourage government officials to develop effective control measures and prevent the spread of this pest.

Conclusion

The small hive beetle’s threat to the bee population in India is a serious one. The pest’s impact on the quality of honey and the livelihoods of apiculturists is significant. However, with effective control measures and a coordinated effort, we can prevent the spread of this pest and protect the bee population. As we move forward, it is essential to promote sustainable beekeeping practices, spread awareness about the small hive beetle, and encourage government officials to develop effective control measures. Only then can we ensure the long-term health and sustainability of our bee population.