Small hive beetle found in Sicily

The small hive beetle (SHB), Aethina tumida, is a bee hive pest native to sub-Saharan Africa. The SHB has been accidentally introduced into many countries across the globe, including the USA, Canada, Australia, China and many countries in Latin America. SHB was found in Calabria and Sicily in Italy in 2014 and has become a persistent problem there. There is a risk that the SHB could be accidentally transported and introduced into the UK. If SHB invaded the UK, it would be a major threat to the long-term sustainability of UK beekeeping. SHB larvae damage honey bee colonies by burrowing through brood combs and consuming the brood and stores. In heavy infestations, they cause colonies to collapse or abscond and spoil the honey.

Small hive beetle larvae (left) and an adult (right)

SHB has remained present in Calabria since its discovery and restrictions have remained in place for imports from this region but, until now, no SHB had been found in Sicily in recent years. However, following new cases of SHB confirmed in Sicily in October 2024, the UK has now also suspended the import of bees, apiculture products and used beekeeping equipment from Sicily into England, Scotland and Wales due to the outbreak. These measures are necessary to protect bee health in the UK. For further information, please see the imports, exports and EU trade of animals and animal products GOV.UK page.

These special measures apply from 1 November 2024 and will continue to apply until they are revoked or amended. 

Further details of surveillance and findings in Italy can be found on the Italian National Reference Laboratory (IZSVe) website.

Actions for beekeepers

We ask that beekeepers continue to remain alert to the potential risk of SHB invasion. To learn more on how to identify SHB, please read our best practice guideline on small hive beetle.

It has been demonstrated that SHB is a highly mobile pest that can be easily introduced into new regions through global trade in beeswax, or importation of package bees or queens. It is crucial that importers of bees and bee products are aware of, and comply with, the legislation on imports of bees and bee products.

• SHB is a statutory notifiable pest; any larvae or beetles suspected of being SHB present in a hive must be reported to the National Bee Unit immediately
• It is not permitted to import any bees, apiculture products or used beekeeping equipment from: Calabria and Sicily, Italy and La Réunion
• It is not permitted to import package bees, nucleus colonies or full colonies from any country except New Zealand
• Only queens (with attendants) may be imported from other countries
• All imports (bees and bee products) must be notified via the Import of Products, Animals, Food and Feed Service (IPAFFS)
• All consignments must be accompanied by a health certificate acquired from a competent authority at the country of origin