There are more traps in the DIY section that you can make. Here's two versions of a simple SHB solution using a CD or DVD case. Note: CD and DVD cases come in two sizes, thick and thin (slim). Read the SHB bait note(s) at the end. Share your comments and results.
VERSION 1: Easiest
If you look carefully on your clear top half, near the center there is a raised section on the edge where the top covers the edge of the cd (green arrows in photo). Break out about 1 inch of this plastic to make an entrance for the beetles.
Place bait (see below) in an X pattern (orange arrow) or around the center hub (not in the hub), make sure the bait is well stuck on the case. Close, tape shut to prevent accidental opening, either turn it over or cover the clear top with some dark tape or other materials as SHBs look for dark spaces and place on top of frame bars.
VERSION 2:
Take a normal DVD case, cut a three inch hole in the top of the cover. Cover the hole with 8 mesh screening. Use black electrical tape to hold the mesh onto the DVD case. There are couple of holes along the edge of the cases that are large enough for a bee to enter and on the back of the case. Tape the rectangular holes closed with electrical tape and the circular/spiral on the back cover. Do not place the bait in the center of the trap, place it to either side of hole.
You can also try not cutting the 3" hole, just make sure you have holes on the sides that are small, if not cover the large ones and make small ones. If your case has a clear top, either turn it over or cover it with some other materials as SHBs look for dark spaces.
SHB BAIT:
Using one trap for each bait recipe, try a small amount of each bait in a trap, pick the one that works best for you.
Bait #1. Mix 1/4 cup soy flour, 2 tablespoons of boric acid, and 3 tablespoons of peanut oil and 1/8 of cup of water. mix into pie dough consistences, put just a little of this bait inside the CD/DVD trap.
Bait #2. Mix pollen and honey into pie dough consistences, put into trap.
Bait #3. Mix 6 tablespoons honey, 3/4 teaspoon of boric acid, and 4 tablespoons of Crisco and only enough soy flour to mix into pie dough consistences, put inside the CD/DVD trap.
SHB BAIT:
Using one trap for each bait recipe, try a small amount of each bait in a trap, pick the one that works best for you.
Bait #1. Mix 1/4 cup soy flour, 2 tablespoons of boric acid, and 3 tablespoons of peanut oil and 1/8 of cup of water. mix into pie dough consistences, put just a little of this bait inside the CD/DVD trap.
Bait #2. Mix pollen and honey into pie dough consistences, put into trap.
Bait #3. Mix 6 tablespoons honey, 3/4 teaspoon of boric acid, and 4 tablespoons of Crisco and only enough soy flour to mix into pie dough consistences, put inside the CD/DVD trap.
There are other Small Hive Beetle traps in the DIY section of this site.
There are some directions and forums on the web that suggests roach poison as bait. The active ingredient is usually Fipronil. Fipronil is deadly to almost everything. Read the MSDS sheet from any roach bait with it. In the US, commercial strength Fipronil based gels are sold under the MaxForce brand, and the consumer strength is sold under the Combat brand. Fipronil is banned in France due it being liked to killing bees. IMPORTANT: I strongly suggest you do not put this trap on a solid bottom board. If you put Fipronil in the case and your hive fills or pools water on the bottom board, the Fipronil will come out and poison the hive, killing your bees.
If you use the HOOD trap in your hive, consider one in the top and one in the bottom box. Fill the center section 80% full with apple cider vinegar, the other two compartments 40% full with cooking or mineral oil.
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