Invasive Alert: Small Hive Beetle Invasion Poses Growing Threat to Indian Beekeepers
- Indian Entomologist
- Apr 10
- 4 min read
By Loganathan R, Sachin S. Suroshe, Kumaranag K.M. and Shashank P.R.
The invasive small hive beetle (SHB), Aethina tumida Murray, posing a serious threat to commercial beekeeping and wild bee colonies across the world. It was originally described as a scavenger and pest of minor importance from weaker colonies of Apis mellifera sub species native to sub-Saharan Africa. However, the outbreak and spread of the SHBs followed by its invasion outside its native range resulting in severe losses of bee colonies has been reported by many countries including a recent invasion and outbreak of the SHBs in Apis mellifera colonies from Bangladesh since 2020.
The ICAR-All India Coordinated Research Project on Honey Bees and Pollinators (AICRP, HBP) in collaboration with ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI), New Delhi researchers observed the occurrence of this dangerous pest in Apis mellifera colonies from North 24 Paraganas district of West Bengal in 2022 in a regular survey of the AICRP, HBP project. Further, the outbreak and spread of SHBs was recorded in commercial Apis mellifera and Apis cerana apiaries of South 24 Parganas, Malda, Hooghly, Murshidabad and Cooch Behar districts of West Bengal (during 2023-2024). After detailed studies on this invasive species the ICAR team has published its first report in “Journal of Apicultural Research” which is one of the reputed international journals covering honey bee research. It was found that the establishment and spread of this pest in different Andhra Pradesh districts were caused by the distress sale of the afflicted colonies from West Bengal at lower prices and the purchase of these colonies by Andhra Pradesh beekeepers who were ignorant of the infestation. Similarly, the occurrence of this pest has been reported from the Apis mellifera and Apis cerana colonies in the state of Assam after the infested colonies from West Bengal have been migrated to Assam during the Mustard season (Kumaranag et al., 2025). The ICAR-AICRP, HBP researchers are conducting surveys in other states for checking the occurrence and spread of this pest because of migration of colonies from infested states.
SHBs are opportunistic predators; they are attracted to the bee colony odours from greater distances. Adult beetles can survive on number of alternative food sources and reported to live for considerable amount of time even on starvation. Adult beetles are strong fliers and tend to migrate 10-12 kms in search of bee colonies and exhibit peculiar phenomenon to hypnotize the worker honey bees to tend and feed them. Apart from honey bees, SHBs are also known to infest and destroy the colonies of stingless bees and bumble bees.
The adult beetles invade the colonies through cracks and crevices of the hives and even some time through hive entrances by escaping the defence of the bees. In strong colonies, the adult bees aggregate in the bottom board to feed on the debris of the bee hives and waiting for the right time to plunder on pollen, honey, bee bread and brood of the colony. Once the colony become weak, the adult female beetles lay the eggs on edges of the frames, inside the combs and large number of adult beetles interferes with the normal activity of colony causing discomfort to the worker bees. On hatching, the SHBs larvae tunnels through combs to feed on honey, pollen and bee brood and in the process contaminate honey with yeast (Kodamaea ohmeri) that quickly ferments the honey, rendering it unfit for human consumption. Extensive tunnelling by the larvae disintegrates the comb structure. Severe infestation results in absconding and collapse of the bee colonies. Fully developed larvae leave the combs and wriggles out of the bee hives in search of suitable site for pupation in soil.
The SHB has spread rapidly across continents, facilitated by migratory beekeeping, the movement of colonies and trade in bee products and equipment. Once established, it is very difficult to eradicate this persistent pest owing to its high reproduction potential, dispersal, and concealed behaviour during the initial stages of infestation. ICAR-AICRP, HBP recommends ad hoc integrated invasive SHB management measures including
A. Preventative approaches like maintaining strong colonies, periodic inspection and manually killing of beetles and mechanical trapping of beetles with attractants like cider vinegar at the initial stages of infestation can be helpful in checking the population build up.
B. Curative measures consisting of raking of the soil around the bee hives and application of diatomaceous earth around hives to disturb the development pupal and adult stages.
C. Microbial insecticides based on entomo-pathogenic nematodes and fungi can be used to treat the soil around the hives for effective management of the pest.
In addition, innovative solutions like UV light traps and pheromone-based baits can be explored to curb SHB populations. The recent outbreak of the small hive beetle underscores the importance of pest surveillance and proactive pest management strategies for the sustainable management of invasive pests. Present information is useful for bee keepers, entomologists, agricultural officers and extension workers for further necessary action.
For further information, please check the following
Kumaranag, K. M., Garain, P. K., Chandran, N., Shashank, P. R., Kukkamudi, M. R., Deka, M. K., Das, P. P. G., Jasrotia, P. and Suroshe, S. S. (2025). First report of invasive small hive beetle, Aethina tumida Murray (Coleoptera: Nitidulidae) from India. Journal of Apicultural Research. https://doi.org/10.1080/00218839.2025.2478328.
About the authors:
Loganathan R, Ph.D. Scholar at the Division of Entomology, ICAR- Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi 110012.
Email: karnanlogu60@gmail.com
Sachin S. Suroshe, Project Coordinator, AICRP on Honey bees and Pollinators, Division of Entomology, ICAR- Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi 110012.
Email: sachinsuroshe@yahoo.com
Kumaranag K.M., Senior Scientist, AICRP on Honey bees and Pollinators, Division of Entomology, ICAR- Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi 110012.
Email: kumaranag.02@gmail.com
Shashank P. R., Senior Scientist at the Division of Entomology, ICAR- Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi 110012.
Disclaimer: The contents, style, language, plagiarism, references, mention of any products if any, etc., are the sole responsibility of the author
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