Wax Moth, a Beekeeping Pest

Guide to Wax Moth Treatment and Prevention in Beekeeping

In an environment riddled with various threats to healthy beehives, it’s easy to overlook one of the most troublesome pests—the wax moths. These pests might seem harmless, but they can wreak havoc if left to roam unchecked.

That’s where pre-emptive and effective treatments come in. This guide provides an in-depth look at how you can prevent and treat wax moth infestations, ensuring the longevity and prosperity of your hives.

Are Wax Moths a Big Problem in Beehives?

Wax moths are a natural part of the environment. They are attracted to beehives by the scent of beeswax, honey pollen, and other hive odours. Wax moths often do not create problems in healthy honey bee colonies, but they can pose a threat in a weakened bee colony.

They destroy stored honey bee combs and cause major damage to beekeeping equipment. They’re also often blamed for the death of a honey bee colony.

How Does It Affect Beehives?

Wax moth infestations are very hazardous and can cause great damage if left unchecked for a long time. The wax moths that cause the damage in a hive may go into the beehive itself.

After the feeding is over, wax moth larvae combine to form cocoons. They eat the wooden surface of wood and polystyrene beehive boxes make a place for their cocoons. This weakens the beehive, and the bees get sidetracked from their usual activities. Thankfully, Apimaye hives are impervious to wax moth.

How Are Wax Moths Spread?

They mainly fly at night and prefer darker areas. Hives that are unmonitored and have no access to sunlight can quickly lead to an infestation. One moth that enters a hive and lays and hatches eggs is enough to infiltrate a colony.

As these hatchlings consume comb and grow, they will quickly increase in number. They can also be spread between apiaries by the movement of infested hives. The moths will typically prefer infesting stored combs that are not actively populated by bees.

When keepers transport these combs between colonies, they can accidentally spread larvae to other hives.

How to Prevent Wax Moth Growth in Stored Honey Supers

To prevent wax moth infestations in stored honey supers, freeze them for 48 hours and store them in a cool, dry place below 10°C. Tight stacking and limiting airflow further deter wax moth growth.

Regularly inspect supers for moth activity and rotate them frequently to avoid long-term storage. These methods will help maintain the quality of your equipment and prevent wax moth damage.

Wax Moth Lifecycle Interruption Techniques

Beekeepers can enhance their defence against wax moths by employing strategies that specifically target the pest's lifecycle stages. Understanding and implementing these interventions can be a game-changer in your beekeeping practice.

The table below provides a overview of these effective strategies.

Technique	Target Stage	Effectiveness	Application Tips
Cold Storage	Eggs, Larvae	High	Store combs at -18°C for 24 hours
Light Traps	Adult Moths	Moderate	Install near hives at night

Long-Term Impact of Wax Moths on Beehive Health

Wax moth infestations aren’t just a fleeting concern. Its effects can resonate long after the moths have been ousted. The longer wax moths inhabit a beehive, the more destruction they wreak and the more severe the long-term impacts become.

A Persistent Blow to the Bee Population

One of the most significant impacts of wax moth infestations is the depletion of the bee populations in the infested hive. The larvae, as they eat through the brood combs and honey reserves, undermine the bees’ ability to reproduce and store food. This can lead to a drastic reduction in bee populations.

Residual Damage of Wax Moths

Even when the wax moth problem is controlled, the structural damage to the beehive is typically significant. These pests damage physical structures like combs, frames, and even wooden boxes. Residual larvae and pupae can still be a challenge to weakened bee colonies even after extermination.

A Struggle to Recover

Following a wax moth invasion, the resilience of the bee colony is tested. If the infestation is caught early and treated appropriately, a colony might bounce back over time. The caveat is that the bees need to rebuild numerous components of their hive, such as honey stores and brood combs, which require substantial time and effort.

The Threat of Re-Infestation

One of the most profound, long-term concerns for beekeepers is the threat of future infestations. Once a hive body is infested, it remains an attractive site for other wax moths unless thoroughly cleaned and treated.

Recognizing Infestation Warning Signs

Identifying a wax moth infestation can help mitigate its effects and restore the health of your beehive. Here are a few key signs that your beehive may be under attack:

Galleried Honeycombs

If you find the honeycombs appearing tunnel-like or “galleried,” that’s the work of wax moth larvae. They tend to burrow through the comb, creating a maze-like pattern.

Defecation

Another telltale sign of a wax moth infestation is the presence of small, dark faecal pellets scattered about the beehive. These pellets are often referred to as “frass” and are left behind by the moth larvae.

Recognizing wax moth damage is a critical first step in combating these destructive pests. Remember, early detection is key to controlling infestations and maintaining a thriving hive. So, be vigilant, check your hives frequently, and ensure your honey bees have the best possible environment to flourish.

Frequently Asked Questions

As a beekeeper, knowing the answers to these common queries can help you stay prepared and ensure the health of your colonies. Here, we answer some commonly asked questions that will provide you with a comprehensive understanding of this persistent pest.

How do greater and lesser wax moth larvae differ?

Greater wax moth larvae cause more severe damage due to their larger size, while lesser wax moth larvae cause less, but both can harm bee hives significantly by destroying comb and honey stores.

What role do adult wax moths play in beekeeping issues?

Adult wax moths lay eggs that hatch into damaging larvae. Controlling them involves keeping strong colonies and using traps or barriers to prevent them from laying wax moth eggs.

How can you kill their larvae effectively?

Freezing infested frames and removing wax moth cocoons are effective methods to kill wax moth larvae, alongside ensuring good hive ventilation.

Can neighbouring honey bee colonies affect wax moth infestations?

Yes, infestations can spread from weak or abandoned neighbouring hives, highlighting the importance of monitoring and managing all nearby colonies.

What methods kill wax moth eggs efficiently?

Exposing equipment to sunlight can kill wax moth eggs, preventing future infestations.

What signs indicate a wax moth larvae infestation?

Webbing, tunnelling in the comb, and the presence of frass indicate larvae infestation, requiring immediate action to remove affected areas and clean the hive.

How do wax moths lay eggs, and what attracts them?

Wax moths lay eggs in dark, undisturbed areas of weak hives. Proper hive management and regular inspections can deter them from laying eggs.

Final Thoughts

Having a good understanding of wax moths and the threat they pose is essential for beekeepers to stand guard to protect their hives firmly. Remember, it’s not just about safeguarding honey bees but also about skilful beekeeping.

With the right knowledge and tools at your disposal, wax moths are just another part of the beekeeping adventure.