Preliminary Sample of An Economic Analysis of Alternative Control Measures for Small Hive Beetle, Aethina tumida Murray on Honey Bee Colonies in Florida

Agriculture has historically depended on honey bees for crop pollination. About 220,000 out of an estimated 240,000 species of plants that depend on pollination have required animals such as the honey bee. For the last several decades, the numbers of managed honey bees have been declining due to infestations of the Small Hive Beetle, in managed hives. Infestations of SHB can threaten honey quality, native bee survival and pollination services. In 1998, it was estimated that Florida’s beekeepers experienced an estimated loss of $3 million due to SHB. Beekeepers are presently using a variety of methods to control SHB, including biological control. However, many of these control measures are costly and the potential economic benefits are unknown. The primary objective of this study is to document the economic importance of the small hive beetle to honey bee production and the potential benefit of current control efforts, particularly biological control. This research will use a mail survey designed to document the methods used by beekeepers in Florida to control the SHB and their associated costs. A benefit cost analysis of various control methods will help document their relative efficiency and determine if biological control is a reasonable use of public funds.