In-hive pests are organisms that settle in the colony's shelter and feed on comb, honey, pollen or brood. What they share is that they are not a problem in a strong colony.

Seeing an in-hive pest is therefore usually a sign that the colony is weak.

The main pests

• Greater wax moth: The larva tunnels through comb; it does most damage in stored comb
• Lesser wax moth: A smaller relative; the damage is more limited
• Small hive beetle: An invasive beetle; its larvae introduce yeast into honey and spoil it. Notifiable in many countries
• Ants: Usually a secondary problem; attracted by weak colonies and spilt syrup

Common causes

• More space than the colony can cover
• A weak colony
• Cracks and gaps in the hive
• Comb left unprotected in store
• Extraction waste left in the apiary

Common measures

• Keep the colony strong. This is the single most effective measure
• Reduce the space. Leave no empty frames or surplus boxes
• Seal cracks in the hive
• Unite weak colonies
• Store comb protected: Keep it cold, or spaced apart in a light, airy place
• Do not let the harvest stand. The small hive beetle multiplies most in the extraction room

The other side of the wax moth

In nature the wax moth is a useful decomposer: it clears old comb from abandoned nests and prevents disease agents accumulating.

The problem in an apiary is not the moth's presence but comb left unprotected.

What makes the small hive beetle different

It differs from the others in two ways: it can be a problem even in strong colonies, and it pupates in the soil.

This means control cannot be carried out inside the hive alone. The apiary floor should be sunny and dry.

Telling the larvae apart

Wax moth larvae and small hive beetle larvae are confused. The distinction is clear: the beetle larva has three pairs of legs and rows of spines along its back; the moth larva has neither.