The Ontario Beekeepers Association is raising concerns about the Small Hive Beetle.
OMAFRA has reported the SHB has shown up in a single bee yard in Niagara Region.
Until now, the primary containment strategies for the beetle have been quarantine in Essex and part of Chatham-Kent and depopulation - with compensation - for the affected beekeeper for outbreaks outside the quarantine area.
However, the OBA says the compensation fund has been depleted.
And there are concerns the SHB has expanded beyond what is currently reported.
The Association is reviewing options and recommendations to OMAFRA for the next steps in containment and treatment of the pest.
One thing the beekeepers group is not recommending is depopulation without compensation.
Small Hive Beetle is a common problem for beekeepers in the U-S.
According to the OBA, managing the pest is on par with Greater Wax Moth and that it is primarily a problem for weaker hives.
