Wax Moths

If you've kept bees for a while, you may have experienced the unwelcome Wax Moth.  If you're a newbee, and haven't had them yet, that's a good thing but it's important to learn about them so if they move in, hopefully you can catch them early before they totally destroy your hive.

They often invade a weak hive and once they get a good foothold inside, it is often to late to save it.  They also target hives that are stressed or queenless.  Generally, a strong hive is the best defense against wax moths.

Their larvae burrows grooves into the wood and comb.  They spin webbing throughout the hive and leave waste everywhere.  Given enough time, they will totally decimate comb and foundation.

Wax moths do not like sunlight.  If we discover they have ruined a hive, we will leave the supers on their side in the sunshine for several days til the moths and larvae are gone.

There are different pests and diseases that can turn a hive into a nasty mess and wax moth destruction is easily identifiable.  If you've never seen it up close, study pictures of it so if you spot it in your hive, hopefully you can nip it in the bud before it gets out of control. 

If you do manage to rid a hive of the moths and larvae, you're next step needs to be figure out why that hive is weak or stressed and see if you can help it make a comeback.

.