The traps donated were purchased from Australia and have a total valued of $3,637.00 USD. The handing over was made by Country Representative Mr. Fermin Blanco and was received by the Minister of Agriculture Hon. Jose Abelardo Mai. This donation will assist bee farmers who are being affected by this Pest.

The small hive beetle, Aethina tumida, is a scavenger and parasite of honey bee colonies. The beetle is native to Africa, but was introduced to Belize in (2016) mainly by commercial movement of bees. Both adult and larval beetles feed on larvae, pollen, honey and bee broods. The adult female lays her eggs in the hive. The larvae hatch and feed on broods, pollen and honey, then leave the hive to pupate in the soil, where the adults hatch, then fly to look for new hives.