For the first time ever, small hive beetles have been found in honeybee colonies in New Brunswick.
The small hive beetle is a pest of the honeybee and large populations of the beetle can impact honeybee health, spoil honey and damage beekeeping equipment.
In June, the beetle was found in colonies that were imported from Ontario to pollinate wild blueberries in the Acadian Peninsula.
All suspected small hive beetles should be reported to the province immediately.
Minister Rick Doucet says the Department of Agriculture is working with the New Brunswick Beekeepers Association to prevent the beetle from becoming established in the province.
