Reeling from a Varroa and Small Hive Beetle Double Punch? Here’s What to Do Next

You suit up, lift the roof, and gently remove the hive lid.

At first everything seems normal. But as you pull out the first frame, something feels… off.

The hive smells sour. The honey looks runny. Then you notice small white larvae wriggling through the comb.

Your heart sinks.

If you’ve experienced a small hive beetle slime-out, you’ll know exactly how devastating that moment feels. Many beekeepers immediately ask themselves:

“What did I do wrong?”

The answer is often: nothing at all. 

Right now, many Australian beekeepers are experiencing hive losses during the varroa mite build-up phase. And in many cases, the combination of varroa mites and small hive beetles (SHB) is responsible.

If this has happened to you, it’s important to remember two things:

• You’re not alone
• It doesn’t mean you’re a bad beekeeper

So, let’s take a closer look at what’s happening and what you can do next.

Why hive losses are happening

Australia is currently moving through one of the most challenging stages of the varroa mite invasion, often referred to as the build-up phase.

During this stage, mite numbers can increase rapidly as the pest spreads between managed and feral colonies.

Even when beekeepers treat their hives, mite numbers can sometimes climb again quite quickly. As nearby colonies weaken or collapse, bees may rob those hives and unknowingly bring mites back with them — a frustrating process known as reinfestation.

What happens during a small hive beetle slime-out

Small hive beetles are opportunistic pests. Strong colonies can usually keep them under control by chasing beetles and preventing them from laying eggs.

But when colonies become weakened (eg: due to varroa pressure), beetles can gain a foothold inside the hive.

Once this happens, the process can move quickly.

A typical slime-out often follows this pattern:

1. Small hive beetles lay eggs in cracks or undefended comb
2. The eggs hatch into larvae
3. Larvae tunnel through comb and honey stores
4. The honey begins to ferment and break down
5. The hive becomes overwhelmed by larvae and slime

This fermentation process is what creates the distinctive sour smell and slimy honey many beekeepers notice when opening a hive after a collapse.

By the time a slime-out is discovered, the colony may have already absconded or died.

Cleaning up after a SHB slime-out

While a slime-out can be distressing, the good news is that most hive equipment can be cleaned and reused.

Before beginning the clean-up process, make sure to wear rubber gloves when handling affected equipment. Then, follow these steps:

1. Harvest any remaining honey (but do not eat it!)

Honey from a slime-out often appears runny or shiny and may contain beetle larvae.

Do not eat this honey! Often, it will contain some hidden maggots, which would make for a terrible arvo snack.

Instead, dispose of it by:

• Washing it down the drain with hot water, or
• Burying it in the ground where bees cannot access it.

2. Freeze affected frames

Freezing frames is an effective way to kill beetles, larvae, and eggs.

Do this by:

• Placing frames in a sealed bag
• Freezing for at least 24 hours

If freezer space is limited, you can freeze a few frames at a time.

After freezing:

• Brood comb can be cut out and discarded or burnt if badly damaged
• Intact comb can sometimes be reused by strong colonies

3. Wash hive components

Hive boxes and Flow Frames can usually be reused after cleaning.

Beekeeping always has another season

Losing a hive can feel incredibly discouraging - even heartbreaking. 

But many experienced beekeepers will tell you that hive losses are something almost everyone encounters at some point.

What matters most is what we learn from each season.

The good news is that the varroa build-up phase will ease over time. As heavily infested feral colonies die out, reinfestation rates begin to stabilise and mite pressure becomes manageable. Australian beekeepers are already adapting, sharing knowledge, and supporting each other through this transition.

We’ll make it through this rough patch together. Right now, our bees need caring beekeepers more than ever; people willing to learn, adapt, and help their colonies through this transition.