Diatomaceous Earth

Support small hive beetle management with Diatomaceous Earth from Hornsby Beekeeping Supplies. Known at HBS as “the devil’s talcum powder,” this very fine powder is suitable for use in most beetle traps and can be a practical part of a beekeeper’s pest-control routine.

Diatomaceous earth is made from the fossilised microscopic skeletons of algae known as diatoms. These diatoms consist mostly of silica, a natural compound found in many parts of the environment, including sand, rocks, plants and animals. In this concentrated powder form, diatomaceous earth is used as a fine insecticidal powder in suitable trap setups.

When hive beetles come into contact with diatomaceous earth inside a beetle trap, the silica removes the waxy outer coating of their exoskeleton. This causes the beetles to die from dehydration. For this reason, many beekeepers use diatomaceous earth inside suitable small hive beetle traps as part of a wider hive management plan.

Available Quantity Options

This Diatomaceous Earth product is available in multiple quantity options, making it suitable for both small-scale and larger beekeeping operations.

The 500gm option is a practical choice for hobby beekeepers, backyard beekeepers or anyone managing only a few hives. Hornsby notes that 500gm portions come securely packaged in either a plastic satchel or an 800mL pail, depending on supply and packaging availability. For beekeepers with only a few hives, this amount can last a couple of seasons when used carefully in beetle traps.

The 12.5kg bag option is better suited to larger apiaries, commercial beekeepers, bee clubs or customers who use diatomaceous earth more regularly across multiple hive setups. A larger bag reduces the need for repeat ordering and gives beekeepers a more economical bulk option when managing higher hive numbers.

By offering both 500gm and 12.5kg quantities, Hornsby Beekeeping Supplies gives customers the flexibility to choose according to their hive numbers, storage space and seasonal pest-control needs.

For Small Hive Beetle Trap Use

Small hive beetle can become a serious problem in beehives, especially when colonies are weak, stressed or unable to control beetle numbers effectively. Beetles can damage comb, contaminate honey and place extra pressure on the colony if they are not managed early.

Diatomaceous Earth is suitable for use in most beetle traps. It is generally used inside traps where beetles enter and come into contact with the powder. Because it is a very fine powder, it should be handled with care and placed only where the trap design allows.

This product should be used as part of a complete small hive beetle management approach. Strong colonies, regular hive inspections, good apiary hygiene, suitable hive placement and effective beetle traps all help reduce beetle pressure. Diatomaceous earth can support this process when used correctly in compatible traps.

Active Constituent and Handling Note

Active Constituent: 900g/kg Amorphous Silica.

Avoid breathing dust. This is an important handling note because diatomaceous earth is a fine powder that can become airborne when poured or disturbed. When filling beetle traps, work carefully, avoid creating dust clouds and keep the product away from your face.

The container or bag should be kept sealed when not in use. Store it in a dry, clean location away from food, honey processing areas, children and pets. Moisture can affect powder handling, so proper storage helps keep the product usable for future trap maintenance.

Which Quantity Should You Choose?

Choose the 500gm option if you only have a few hives, want a smaller amount for occasional beetle-trap use or prefer easier storage in the beekeeping shed.

Choose the 12.5kg bag option if you manage more hives, maintain multiple beetle traps or want a bulk supply for ongoing apiary work. This larger quantity is more suitable for beekeepers who expect regular use across the season.

Choose Diatomaceous Earth from Hornsby Beekeeping Supplies for a fine amorphous silica beetle trap powder, available in 500gm and 12.5kg bag options for practical small hive beetle management.