Miaoli institute develops beetle trap box for beehives, achieving 97% pest control

Taiwan's agricultural sector has developed an innovative solution to combat the small hive beetle, a pest that first appeared in the country in 2024 and threatened honey production. Researchers at the Miaoli Agricultural Research Institute have created a specialized trap box designed to lure and kill the beetle's larvae, which can devastate bee colonies.

The new trap box boasts an impressive 97% control rate, a threefold increase compared to existing methods. Beekeepers previously relied on imported oil boxes, which were costly and only achieved a success rate of about 30%. The small hive beetle, originating from Africa, poses a significant threat as its larvae can burrow deep into the soil and its adult form can fly long distances, making eradication difficult.

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The small hive beetle larvae can burrow into the soil up to 20 cm deep, and crawl up to 100 meters. The adult can fly up to 10 kilometers. It is difficult to control both larvae and adults.

Dr. Shih Chia-hung, director of the Miaoli institute, explained that the trap box utilizes the size difference between bees and beetles, allowing only the beetles to enter. Inside, a bait made of borax and sugar water attracts the pests. The cost-effectiveness of the new trap box, with each unit costing less than 40 New Taiwan dollars (approximately $1.25 USD), makes it an accessible solution for beekeepers. The technology has already been licensed to manufacturers, with over 6,000 units sold in its first month of release, demonstrating its immediate impact and potential to protect Taiwan's beekeeping industry.

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This small invention has achieved great success.