Ludhiana, Aug. 5 -- Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) has alerted beekeepers to the growing threat of the small hive beetle, a newly observed pest affecting honeybee colonies across the state. The warning follows infestations detected by university scientists at several apiaries during routine field surveys.

According to PAU experts Jaspal Singh, Amit Chaudhary, and Bharti Mahindru, the brown or black beetle attacks honeybee broods, honey, pollen, and honeycombs, while its larvae cause extensive damage within the hives. The beetles contaminate honey by excreting waste, rendering it unfit for consumption and severely reducing its market value. Because these pests typically hide in dark corners, cracks, and empty cells, early detection ...