Management to control and minimise impact of SHB The prime aim
is to reduce the number of beetles around the apiary and honey
extracting plant and thereby reduce the level of infestation in
hives. This is best achieved using strategies that interrupt the
SHB life-cycle. The adoption of good beekeeping practices as
described below will help to minimise the effect of SHB
infestations. The key management strategies are: maintain strong
colonies and provide only sufficient combs in the hive that bees
can cover and look after extract combs of honey immediately
after removal from the hive and protect stored combs and apiary
products avoid attracting adult beetles to apiaries and stored
combs by practicing good apiary hygiene. Combs not covered by
bees are especially prone SHB damage. Supers of combs should
only be added to hives when they are required. As a guide, only
add a super when at least 70% of combs in the hive are filled
with honey and/or brood. Excess combs are best removed from the
hive and stored as des