Beetle Jail Hive Beetle Trap – Reusable & Washable
The Beetle Jail is a reusable, washable hive beetle trap that hangs between your frames and puts small hive beetles where they can't escape. Beetles slip into the recessed top opening looking for refuge and drop into an oil reservoir below — while your bees stay out. At about 7 inches long it even fits queen mating nucs, and because it's made of sturdy polypropylene you rinse it out and use it season after season.
Features
- Reusable and washable — rinse and run it again
- About 7" long, so it fits standard frames and queen mating nucs
- Inner bait compartment lures beetles in
- Recessed top entry directs beetles in from above; bees stay out
- Made of recyclable polypropylene
How it works in real life
Fill the outer channels about one-third full with food-grade oil, and optionally load the inner compartment with a little bait — fruit, pollen, or crushed beetles. Hang the trap between two frames. Small hive beetles are harassed by the bees and dive for the dark, recessed opening; once inside they fall into the oil and can't climb back out. Bees are too large for the entry, so they're left alone. Tip: close the lid on the bait compartment before you close the main lid.
Before you order
The Beetle Jail is an oil-reservoir trap that hangs between frames — refill the oil and re-bait through beetle season. If you'd rather set a bait-it-yourself refuge trap on the top bars or bottom board, see the Beetle Barn Hive Beetle Trap. You'll also want Hive Beetle Trap Oil to charge the reservoir.
Pairs Well With
- Hive Beetle Trap Oil — food-grade oil for the reservoir
- Beetle Barn Hive Beetle Trap — refuge-style alternative
- Cutt's Beetle Blaster Hive Beetle Trap — disposable oil-tray trap
Specifications
- Type: reusable oil-reservoir hive beetle trap (hangs between frames)
- Length: about 7 in (fits queen mating nucs)
- Dimensions: 7.07 × 0.5 × 1.25 in
- Material: recyclable polypropylene
- Bait: food-grade oil; optional fruit, pollen, or crushed beetles
- Care: washable and reusable
FAQ
What do I put in a Beetle Jail?
Fill the outer channels about one-third with food-grade oil. You can add a little fruit, pollen, or crushed beetles to the inner bait compartment to draw beetles in.
Will it catch my bees?
No — the recessed entry is sized for small hive beetles, and honeybees are too large to enter.
Is it really reusable?
Yes. Empty it, wash it out, refill the oil, and use it again.
Where does it go in the hive?
It hangs between two frames where beetles travel.
