Beekeeping Pest Control: What Pros Use to Protect Hives

Dr. Anya Sharma · 2026-10-13

If you keep bees, you already know the buzz isn't always about honey. Pests can wipe out a colony faster than you can say "varroa." So when Orange County's CCE announced its Beekeeping Basics program, it got me thinking: what are the pest control products that actually work? I've spent years testing and talking to beekeepers, and here's the straight talk on what's worth your money. ### The Big Three: Varroa, Wax Moths, and Small Hive Beetles Let's not sugarcoat it—these are the enemies. Varroa mites are public enemy number one. They suck the life out of bees and spread viruses. Wax moths? They'll turn your comb into a mess if your hive is weak. And small hive beetles? They're like the uninvited guests that never leave. The good news is there are products that work, and you don't need a PhD to use them. ### Varroa Mites: The Silent Killers When it comes to varroa, you've got options. Apivar is a go-to for many. It's an amitraz-based strip that you hang in the hive. Easy to use, and mites hate it. But here's the thing: you need to rotate treatments to avoid resistance. That's where oxalic acid vaporizers come in. They're a bit more involved—you'll need a vaporizer and a mask—but they're effective and leave no residue. And don't forget formic acid pads like Formic Pro. They work well when temperatures are between 50-85°F, so timing matters. ### Wax Moths: The Scavengers Wax moths don't kill strong colonies, but they'll ruin stored comb. Certan is a biological control that you spray on frames—it's safe for bees and deadly for moth larvae. Another option is paradichlorobenzene (PDB) crystals, but that's for stored equipment only, not live hives. Always follow the label. ### Small Hive Beetles: The Squatters These beetles are a pain, especially in warm climates. CheckMite+ is a strip that kills beetles but can harm bees if not used carefully. For a gentler approach, use beetle traps like the Beetle Blaster. They're simple: just fill with oil and place between frames. The beetles crawl in and never come out. ### Integrated Pest Management: The Smart Way Here's the thing—no single product is a silver bullet. The best beekeepers use integrated pest management (IPM). That means monitoring, cultural controls, and targeted treatments. For example, keep your hives in full sun (reduces small hive beetle breeding), and replace old comb regularly. And always, always do mite counts before treating. You wouldn't take antibiotics without a test, right? ### A Word on Safety and Regulations Before you buy anything, check with your local extension office. Some products are restricted in certain states. And always wear protective gear when applying treatments. Your bees depend on you, but so does your health. ### The Bottom Line Beekeeping is rewarding, but pest control is non-negotiable. Invest in proven products, rotate them, and stay informed. The CCE program is a great start for beginners, but even seasoned pros can learn a thing or two. Got a favorite pest control product? Let me know—I'm always testing. *Dr. Anya Sharma is a lead product comparison and reviews strategist with a focus on sustainable agriculture.*