The small hive beetle (Aethina tumida) is a beekeeping pest. The small hive beetle, Aethina tumida was first discovered in Florida in June of 1998 and has now been found in seven other U.S. states, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Illinois and Minnesota. To date, the beetle has not been found in Virginia, but the movement of migratory beekeepers from Florida may have transported the beetle to other states. Recent findings also indicate transport of the beetles in packages.