Beetle Blasters are specialized traps designed to target adult small hive beetles while protecting beneficial bees. Their effectiveness lies in a combination of strategic design elements—such as slot dimensions and color—and the use of a trapping medium like oil. These traps are placed inside beehives, exploiting the beetles' natural hiding behavior to lure them into contact with the oil, where they ultimately drown. Importantly, Beetle Blasters are not effective against beetle larvae or eggs, making them a targeted solution for adult infestations.
Key Points Explained:
-
Selective Entry Mechanism
- The black top of the Beetle Blaster features thin slots that are wide enough for adult small hive beetles to enter but too narrow for bees.
- The color black may attract beetles, which naturally seek dark crevices to hide.
-
Trapping Medium (Oil or Similar Substance)
- The clear plastic bottom contains a layer of oil or another liquid solution.
- When beetles enter the trap, they come into contact with the oil, which coats their bodies and prevents escape, leading to drowning.
-
Exploiting Beetle Behavior
- Small hive beetles instinctively seek shelter in tight, dark spaces within the hive.
- The trap mimics these conditions, luring beetles inside where they encounter the oil.
-
Targeted Pest Control
- Beetle Blasters are specifically designed for adult beetles and do not trap larvae or eggs.
- This makes them a focused tool for reducing active infestations without harming other hive inhabitants.
-
Placement and Maintenance
- The traps are placed inside beehives, often between frames or near hive walls.
- Regular cleaning and refilling of the oil are necessary to maintain effectiveness.
By combining these elements, Beetle Blasters provide a simple yet efficient method for beekeepers to manage small hive beetle populations while safeguarding their colonies.
Summary Table:
| Feature | How It Works |
|---|---|
| Selective Entry Slots | Thin black slots allow beetles in but keep bees out. |
| Trapping Medium (Oil) | Oil in the clear bottom drowns beetles upon contact. |
| Behavior Exploitation | Mimics dark crevices beetles naturally hide in. |
| Targeted Pest Control | Only traps adult beetles, not larvae or eggs. |
| Placement & Maintenance | Install between frames; refill oil regularly for continued effectiveness. |
Need reliable beetle control for your apiary? Contact HONESTBEE today for wholesale beekeeping solutions!
