Contingency planning for small hive beetle Aethina tumida in the U.K.: Using entomopathogenic nematodes as control agents against larvae

The Small hive beetle (Aethina tumida) is an endemic parasitic pest and scavenger of colonies of social bees indigenous to sub-Saharan Africa. In this region the beetles rarely inflict severe damage on strong colonies since the bees have developed strategies to combat them. However, A. tumida has since ‘escaped’ from its native home and has recently invaded areas such as North America and Australia where its economic impact on the apiculture industry has been significant. Entomopathogenic nematodes commercially available within the UK were screened for their potential to control beetle larvae under laboratory conditions. The nematodes Steinernema kraussei and S. carpocapsae provided excellent control with 100% mortality of larvae being obtained. A dose rate of S. kraussei at 2,500 IJ/ml still provided complete larval mortality. Delayed applications of the nematodes following larvae entering sand to pupate also provided excellent control for up to 3 weeks. Evidence that the nematodes could still enter larvae that had been pupating for 3 weeks was obtained. The information gained supports the development of contingency plans to deal with A. tumida should it occur in the UK.