Assessing the role of environmental conditions on efficacy rates of entomopathogenic nematodes for controlling small hive beetles (Aethina tumida) in honey bee (Apis mellifera) hives: A citizen science approach

Certain species of entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs)—such as Heterorhabditis indica—have the potential to be effective controls for small hive beetles (Aethina tumida) in honey bee (Apis mellifera) hives—even more so than standard cultural, mechanical, and chemical controls (Ellis et al., 2010; Schäfer et al., 2010).  Despite the efficacy of H. indica, beekeepers have struggled with using this biocontrol, with anecdotal evidence indicating this is a function of application methods and environmental conditions.  Unfortunately, beekeepers have had a lack of guidance on how to properly apply H. indica as little research has been conducted exploring the environmental preferences of H. indicia.  In addressing both of these issues, a citizen-science project with over 150 beekeepers and 700 hives in the mid-Atlantic was launched to explore what application methods and environmental conditions influence the efficacy of H. indica against A. tumida.  This research was done using a newly created online honey bee research platform called Bugonia.  Beekeepers were trained on how to perform the research and provided with the necessary research materials to replicate the study in their own bee yards.  Researchers then recorded their results on Bugonia.com and received real-time data comparing their results with the results of other beekeepers in the study.  Data collected is being used in regression analyses to explore the impact of environmental conditions on EPN efficacy. 2014/15 overwintering results are also being recorded and examined.  Results from this study will help to drive recommendations on how H. indica can successfully be used by beekeepers as a biological control in Integrated Pest Management (IPM) plans.