Sturdy & Effective, This Hive Beetle Trap Fits All 8 & 10 Frame Langstroth Hives
The Freeman Beetle Trap is an economical and effective way to manage small hive beetles in most bee hives. Simply place the traps underneath active hives and replace the tray contents as needed. Freeman Beetle Traps come in two convenient sizes: an 8 frame and a 10 frame in both the standard and ventilated models. The ventilated Freeman Beetle Trap is ideal for hot climates and allows for additional air flow. It consists of two parts – a coated galvanized steel mesh piece and a plastic tray that slides beneath it.
- The steel mesh component slides into the hive to create a false bottom of sorts.
- The plastic tray is filled with cooking oil (or soapy water) and slid underneath the mesh.
How It Works: As the beetles invade the hive, the guard bees pursue them downward and through the mesh. With no ledges to hide on and unable to remain on the mesh, the small hive beetles fall through into the oil where they die.
Made sturdily from rot and insect resistant Cypress wood, your Freeman Beetle Trap is designed to last through many seasons. The plastic traps may begin to show signs of wear before the rest of your trap; if they do you can order affordable replacements.
For additional control against Small Hive Beetles, we also recommend treating the ground outside the hive (where they come from initially) with the beneficial nematode, Heterorhabditis indica.
How It Came About: In response to the threat Small Hive Beetles (Aethina tumida) pose, Jerry Freeman of Hamburg, Arkansas created the Freeman Beetle Trap for use in standard Langstroth Hives. Following extensive testing in universities, including Mississippi State and Clemson, this trap was introduced to the public and immediately proved successful.
Additional information about beekeeping can be found at PerfectBee. Check out their Learning Beekeeping article!
This Product Controls These Pests or Diseases: Small Hive Beetle (Aethina tumida)
Clean the bottom of your hive. Remove the plastic tray from the trap. Slide the trap into the bottom of your hive. Fill the plastic tray with oil and slide it inside the tray frame. Close your hive. When the plastic tray is full of dead beetles or needs more liquid, simply slide it out and take care of it.
Watch the video below for more detail on how to install the Freeman Beetle Trap:
Special Notes:
- Other liquids (such as water with a little soap) may be used in the plastic tray, but cooking oil is highly recommended as it has been proven to be highly effective and inexpensive. Used cooking oil obtained from fast food restaurants works well and most places will give it away for free. You will only need one pint of oil per half gallon of plain water. There is an opening in the back for easy access to this tray for servicing.
- If you notice that some of the hive beetles are not making it through the mesh into the trap, do not worry. Generally this is due to the bees not being aggressive enough in chasing the beetles out of the hive. In these cases, sugar dusting the hive is the best way to keep the bees energetic and active. Some Freeman Beetle Trap users have done this for up to six consecutive days until the number of trapped beetles subsides.
- To reduce the chance of Varroa Mite and Wax Moth infestations, remove and clean the Freeman Trap frequently.
Orders may have up to 1 week lead time.
Dimensions:
8 Frame - 13 5/8" W x 20" L
10 Frame - 16 1/4" W x 20" L
#8 mesh is used to ensure that bees do not get trapped accidentally. While some hive beetles may be larger, they will turn sideways and fall through. Sugar dusting hives will stimulate bees to become more aggressive in chasing beetle down and out of the hive.
Shipping Restrictions: Cannot ship to PO Boxes.
What's In The Package: Standard Beetle Traps and Ventilated Beetle Traps come with collection trays.
Reviews
Write a review
Mel
May 5, 2020 | By Melodee B. McDaniel
Wonderful Way to control Beetles
May 4, 2020 | By Ingrid Jones
BEETLE DOWN!!!
Nov 5, 2019 | By Doug
10 frame Freeman Beetle Trap
Sep 29, 2018 | By Ellis R. Hawkins
Needs Alterations
Apr 28, 2018 | By beekeeper
Owner Response: Hi There! Thank you for your inputs. We are not the manufacturers of this product, but will pass those observations on to them!
New Beekeeper
Mar 7, 2018 | By Cheryl Glover
Owner Response: The traps are a huge help! If you have issues with the hive beetles year on year, the Heterorhabditis indica nematodes may be helpful also.
