TIHOOD12PCS Small Hive Trap Beehive Beekeeping Tools Beekeeping Supplies (Black)

I purchased these for the small hive beetle infestation I encountered late summer. The traps effectively cut down on the hive beetles, saving my beehive from these terrible pests.This is my first year using these traps. There were no instructions included with the traps. While these were actually very simple to use, I had watch some YouTube videos to learn how these work.I would stress it’s important to make sure all the oil is wiped clean from the trap before placing in the hive. Even a small drop left on top of the trap will kill a bee. Also, important to make sure the oil doesn’t spill when you insert in to the hive. It was easy to use without spilling and very effective.The bees did put some propolis around the wooden frame and the traps but it was not difficult working my hive tool under the plastic to loosen before removing to replace oil

I really like these traps and they seem to work very well. At least, they have trapped quite a few beetles. You put some apple cider vinegar in the center compartment as bait and vegetable oil in the other two to ensnare beetles who come looking for food. The oil suffocates them and they die. When the trap gets too full, throw it away and replace it with a new one. The trap(s) slip between two frame, so they are easy to install.

So for less than US$2 per trap, you get these vacuum-molded (or a similar process) thin plastic traps with the lids permanently affixed. On the one hand, that's less spillage of bait/fluid in the trap and easier disposal but on the other, you don't get to empty them when full and re-use them. I run horizontal Langstroths, so I have room for the ever-so-slightly-wider design that requires a bit more space between frames. I also use a 10:1 mixture of cooking oil: apple cider vinegar that seems effective at trapping and drowning small hive beetles. Even though the top is tinted black (which from what I've read also attracts beetles to dark spaces), the fluid reservoir is clear. That means you can see what's in there, but it might be less effective at attracting and killing beetles, which is the entire point of the trap. I would have liked to see the reservoir ALSO tinted black about 2/3 the way up to act as a fill guide and entice beetles into the lower portion to drown. I installed as-is, but I may wrap the bottoms of one or two in black electrical tape to see if that makes any difference. Either way, they seemed like a good buy and if they're effective they'll be an even better one.

I used olive oil in mine. Just a couple millimeters deep. The only thing to consider is they are a wedge shape and a little wider than a standard tight frame width so you need to leave a little more space between the frames you are inserting this to. That would be the only down fall. I have had 1-2 in my bottom brood box for months and never lost a bee to it. Just a few beetles. They do the job and would recommend.

Easy to use and works great!

I had no problems with the installation of them in the bee frames. I had tried a couple of items and to my surprise these did the best in trapping the beetles

Shipping was very prompt as always

I use them for a month and threw them out.