Topbait™ Plus Small Hive Beetle 35g

Small Hive Beetle Control Bait for Beekeepers

Topbait™ Plus is a small hive beetle control bait designed for use inside the APIS Small Hive Beetle Trap. The gel sits in the centre well of the trap and supports safe SHB management inside the hive. Because the product is APVMA approved, beekeepers can use it confidently as part of their ongoing control program.

Why Choose Topbait™ Plus Small Hive Beetle Bait

Topbait™ Plus is Australian made and designed for local beekeeping conditions. The gel bait sits inside the APIS trap enclosure on top of the frames. It has been assessed and approved by the APVMA as a safe and effective option for small hive beetle control bait when used correctly.

 

What the Small Hive Beetle Does

The Small Hive Beetle (SHB) lives inside beehives and pupates in the soil around the hive when conditions are warm and moist. It is an introduced pest that has spread across the east coast of Australia. Even a few beetles can multiply quickly and cause hive damage, which is why consistent management is essential.

 

How the APIS Trap Works with the Bait

When used with the APIS Small Hive Beetle Trap, bees push beetles upward through narrow slots into the enclosure. These slots are too small for bees to enter, so they cannot reach the bait. This design keeps the gel targeted to beetles only and supports safe SHB control inside the hive.

How to use Topbait™ Plus

 

Correct APIS Trap Placement

Step 1: Place 1 gram of gel bait into the centre well of the trap. Close the trap by clicking the side pins and locking bar into position. Place traps in the corners of the top honey box. For best results, use two traps per hive on opposite corners.

Step 2: As beetles enter the traps and feed on the bait, bees may propolis the entry slots. Check the traps every seven days and clear any propolis with your hive tool if needed.

Step 3: Repeat the process. Inspect traps weekly and replace the bait as required. SHB control is ongoing, but regular maintenance keeps it simple.

Video Tutorial

Watch the quick demonstration: https://youtube.com/shorts/Z6KHN3Tkpz4?si=o7-dYj9iJX6fJfzU

Small Hive Beetle Trap Design

The APIS trap prevents bees, including Caucasian bees with 9 mm tongues and Italian bees with 7 mm tongues, from accessing the bait well. This ensures the gel remains targeted to beetles only.

Testing and Approval

Topbait™ Plus underwent three years of testing, including environmental, toxicology and necropsy studies across more than 60 hives in two states. These results supported APVMA approval in October 2017.

APVMA Approval Number: 68330/108733

For your safety, you can view the Safety Data Sheet

For more information, visit the APIS Ecology Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/apisecology