Wax Moth Treatment For Bee Hives

The wax moth is a common and serious threat to honey bee colonies. Their larvae feed on wax combs within a hive, which can cause significant damage to a colony, particularly in weak or stressed hives.

Wax moth larvae in a bee hive frame

Galleria mellonella, the greater wax moth, and Achroia grisella, the lesser wax moth, are common and serious threats to honey bee colonies.

While they do not directly harm adult bees, their larvae can very quickly cause significant damage to a colony.

Understanding wax moths’ life cycle, the damage they cause, and effective treatment methods is essential for maintaining healthy hives.

What attracts wax moths?

Wax moths are nocturnal insects that lay their eggs in or near beehives.

Adult female moths are attracted to hives by the scent of beeswax, honey, and pollen. They can enter a hive unnoticed, especially in weak or poorly managed colonies.

Do wax moths lay eggs?

Once inside a bee hive, wax moths lay eggs, which can range from a few dozen to several hundred.

The eggs hatch into larvae within a few days, and it is these larvae that cause the damage. The larvae feed on beeswax, pollen, honey, and other organic debris within the hive.

As they burrow through the wax combs, they create tunnels, leaving behind webs and frass (insect droppings), which can quickly destroy combs, especially combs that contain brood and pollen.

The larvae also chew through wooden frames, further weakening the hive’s structural integrity. After four to six weeks, the larvae pupate, spinning cocoons in crevices within the hive or frames. After another one to two weeks, the adult moths emerge, restarting the cycle.

This cycle can occur year-round in warm climates or indoor environments, leading to rapid infestations if not properly controlled.  

How do I know if I have wax moths?

Recognising the early signs of an infestation is key to preventing widespread damage.

Five common signs include:

#1: Webbing

Larvae leave behind a silk-like webbing as they move through the hive. This webbing can cover combs and make it difficult for bees to access stored honey or pollen.

#2: Cocoons

Adult moths spin tough, silken cocoons to protect themselves as they pupate. These cocoons are often found in crevices or corners of the hive.

#3: Tunnels in the wax

Larvae chew through combs, leaving visible tunnels. In severe infestations, entire sections of comb may be destroyed.

#4: Frass

Larvae excrete small pellets of waste, known as frass. This can often be seen at the bottom of the hive or on affected combs.

#5: Weak bee colonies

While wax moths do not directly kill bees, their presence often coincides with a weakened colony. Stressed or queenless colonies are more susceptible to infestation.

The impact of wax moths on hives

Wax moths are opportunistic pests, and their presence often indicates an underlying problem within the hive.

Strong, healthy bee colonies can typically fend off infestations. The bees will remove moth eggs and larvae, preventing significant damage.

However, weak or stressed colonies, particularly those with a low population or without a queen, are at high risk. In such cases, the bees may be unable to manage the infestation, leading to the destruction of combs, honey stores, and brood.

In addition to the direct damage caused by the larvae, wax moth infestations can lead to secondary problems, such as increased moisture levels in the hive (due to blocked airflow from webbing) or an influx of other pests and diseases. 

Prevention of wax moth infestation

The best way to deal with wax moths is to prevent an infestation from occurring in the first place.

Here are four effective strategies to prevent wax moth infestations: 

 #1: Maintain strong colonies

 Healthy, populous bee colonies are the best defence against wax moths. Strong colonies can monitor and protect the hive, removing eggs and larvae before they cause damage. Ensure that your hives have a healthy queen, a sufficient number of worker bees, and adequate food stores.

 #2: Proper hive management

Regularly inspect your hives for signs of stress, disease, or pest infestations. Remove dead bees, old combs, or unused equipment, as these can attract wax moths. Rotate out old frames and replace them with new foundations regularly. 

 #3: Store empty equipment properly

Wax moths are more likely to infest stored equipment than active hives. Store unused frames, combs, and other hive components in a cold environment or use moth-resistant storage techniques, such as freezing or airtight containers. Freezing equipment for at least 24-48 hours will kill any wax moth eggs or larvae present. 

#4: Use moth traps

Pheromone traps can be used to monitor wax moth populations in your area. These traps effectively capture adult moths before they can enter the hive and lay eggs. 

Will moth balls keep wax moths away?

It seems logical to think moth balls will help keep these annoying pests away.

While mothballs are an effective deterrent, they also contaminate honeycombs, making them toxic to bees and humans who eat honey from them.

Wax moth treatment

Despite a beekeeper’s best efforts, wax moth infestations can still occur.

When they do, prompt action is essential to minimise damage. Here are four things you can do to get rid of wax moths.

#1: Freeze affected frames and supers

Freezing is one of the most effective methods for killing wax moth larvae and eggs.

Remove affected frames and supers and place them in a freezer. Once frozen, the larvae and eggs will be destroyed, and the frames can be safely returned to the hive or stored. 

According to Agriculture Victoria, all lifecycle stages of wax moths, including their eggs, can be killed by freezing at the following temperatures and durations:

−6.7C for 4.5 hours
−12.2C for 3 hours
−15.0C for 2 hours

Once you’ve completed this process, store the combs in a moth-proof environment, such as sealed, strong plastic garbage bags, to avoid re-infestation.

If you place the previously frozen combs in untreated supers, you will risk re-infestation because the supers may contain wax moth eggs. Always treat the combs AND the supers, then place them together in a sealed plastic bag for insect-proof storage.

#2: Use Wax Guardian

Wax Guardian is a new, natural solution for wax moth infestations.

It’s a product made from a naturally occurring bacterium that targets both the greater and lesser wax moth species.

This organic treatment protects beehives by preventing the larvae from chewing through the frames and combs. It can be used in active hives and stored equipment, offering an eco-friendly alternative to chemical treatments.

Since Wax Guardian is a biological treatment, it poses no harm to bees or honey production. 

Find out more about Wax Guardian.

#3: Physical cleaning

In severe cases, it may be necessary to physically clean the hive.

Remove and destroy infested combs, scrub the hive’s interior to remove any remaining larvae or eggs, and replace damaged frames and foundations with new materials.

#4: Chemical treatments

While chemical fumigants, such as paradichlorobenzene, have traditionally been used to control wax moths, many beekeepers prefer to avoid these methods due to potential harm to bees and contamination of honey.

Always follow local regulations and consider the impact on your colony before using chemical treatments. 

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Wax moths are a persistent challenge for beekeepers, but with proper hive management and early detection, their impact can be minimised.

Maintaining strong colonies, storing equipment carefully, and utilising natural treatments like Wax Guardian are effective ways to protect your hives from wax moth damage.

By staying vigilant and proactive, beekeepers can ensure their colonies remain healthy and productive despite the presence of these pests.

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