A family in Bovington, England, discovered a massive honeybee hive under their garden decking. For US beekeepers, it's a wild reminder of why pest control matters. Learn about common hive pests and the products that keep them in check.
### When a Backyard Deck Becomes a Bee Hotel
You know that feeling when you discover something unexpected right under your nose? That's exactly what happened to a family in Bovington, a small town in Dorset, England. They had no idea that beneath their garden decking, a massive honeybee hive was quietly growing. It wasn't until the bees started making themselves known that the family realized they had some very busy tenants.
Now, if you're a beekeeper in the US, this story might make you chuckle—or cringe. Because while a wild hive under a deck sounds like a nightmare to some, it's a reminder of how adaptable bees are. And it also highlights why pest control is such a big deal for anyone keeping bees.
### Why Pests Love Your Hives (and What You Can Do)
Let's be real: your beehives are basically a five-star resort for all sorts of creepy-crawlies. From Varroa mites to small hive beetles, pests see your colony as an all-you-can-eat buffet. And if you're not careful, they can weaken your bees, spread diseases, and even wipe out a hive.
So what's a beekeeper to do? First, know your enemy. Here are the usual suspects:
- **Varroa mites**: These tiny parasites attach to bees and suck their fat bodies, leaving them vulnerable to viruses. They're public enemy number one.
- **Small hive beetles**: These beetles lay eggs in hives, and their larvae tunnel through comb, fermenting honey and making a mess.
- **Wax moths**: They love weak hives, laying eggs that hatch into larvae that chew through wax and leave behind webbing.
- **Ants**: They march in for the honey and can stress out your bees.
### Pest Control Products That Actually Work
Now, you could go the DIY route with essential oils and traps, but sometimes you need the big guns. Here are some tried-and-true products that beekeepers in the US swear by:
- **Apivar strips**: These are a go-to for Varroa mites. You hang them between frames, and they slowly release amitraz, killing mites without harming bees. A pack of 10 strips runs about $45.
- **Oxalic acid vaporizers**: This method uses a vaporizer to fill the hive with oxalic acid gas, which kills mites on contact. You can get a vaporizer for around $120, and the acid itself is cheap.
- **Beetle blasters**: These are traps that fit into the hive entrance and catch small hive beetles. They're reusable and cost about $20 for a set.
- **Wax moth traps**: These use pheromones to lure and trap wax moths. A pack of 5 traps is around $25.
Remember, always follow the instructions and check with your local extension office for regulations. Some products aren't allowed in certain states, and you don't want to harm your bees or contaminate honey.
### The Takeaway: Stay Vigilant
That Bovington family's experience is a wild one, but it's a good reminder that bees are resilient and will find a way. As a beekeeper, your job is to give them a healthy home and keep pests at bay. Regular inspections, proper hive management, and the right products can make all the difference.
So next time you're out by your hives, take a closer look. You never know what might be lurking—or thriving—just beneath the surface.