The Wax Moth

The Wax Moth larvae

When left alone in the combs it will make a real mess of it and eat the frames clean of wax in no time.

The Lesser Wax Moth

The Greater Wax Moth

The characteristic mark of the Wax Moth larvae; the dark brown feaces

Beekeepers in cold climate can reduce the damage on stored comb by killing the wax moth with low temperature. If the combs are kept in -7 ℃(20 F) for 4 hours, -15℃(5 F) for two hours, all stages of wax moths will be destroyed.

Fumigation with carbon dioxide for four hours will also kill all stages of wax moth.

A light bulb hung over a bucket of water will catch adult moths in the storage room and reduce the number of moths that mate and lay eggs in the equipment. Use soapy water in the bucket to prevent bad smell.

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