Affected hosts
- Apis mellifera
Aethina tumida
Small hive beetle
Regulated pest whose adults and larvae feed on brood, honey, and pollen. Larvae can destroy comb and trigger honey fermentation.
Agent
Aethina tumida
Notifiable in Portugal
Yes
Signs to watch for
Adult bees
- Hidden beetles
- Larvae in the comb
- Slimy or fermented honey
- Abnormal odor
Brood
- Comb destruction
- Honey spoilage
- Pollen and brood damage
Colony
- Imported material
- Poor traceability
- Unverified bee purchases
Confirmation and identification
Field observation and monitoring
- Small dark beetles hiding in crevices
- Larvae associated with comb and fermented honey
- Characteristic odor in heavy infestations
- Systematic visual inspection
- Authorized diagnostic traps
- Inspect floors and corners
Laboratory methods
- Any suspicion should be treated as urgent and reported through official channels.
Control and impact reduction
Good practices
- Do not move hives, equipment, soil, or products
- Isolate the area
- Contact the veterinary authority
- Official diagnosis
- Zone delimitation
- Eradication or containment
Prevention
- Follow import rules
- Inspect received material
- Maintain traceability
- Do not buy bees from unknown origin
- Trying to eliminate it quietly
- Moving frames
- Using unauthorized insecticides
Ongoing monitoring
Indicators
- Adults found
- Larvae found
- Affected combs
Recommended frequency
- Any suspicion requires immediate action and official follow-up.
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