Wax moths are a common nuisance for beekeepers, particularly those who are new to managing hives. These pests, specifically the Greater Wax Moth (Galleria mellonella) and the Lesser Wax Moth (Achroia grisella), are notorious for invading weak or poorly maintained bee colonies, causing destruction to the hive’s internal structure. Wax moth larvae consume beeswax, pollen, and even bee brood, leaving behind a webbed mess that can lead to colony collapse.
Understanding the behavior of wax moths, recognizing their presence early, and implementing proper hive management techniques can help protect a bee colony from infestation. In this article, we will explore what wax moths do to bees, the signs of an infection, how bees naturally combat these pests, treatment methods, and most importantly, how to prevent wax moths from taking over hives. We will also discuss proper storage techniques to protect empty hive equipment from these invasive pests.
What Do Wax Moths Do To Bees?
Wax moths are particularly destructive to weak colonies. They do not directly attack adult bees, but their larvae tunnel through honeycomb, feeding on wax, pollen, and cocoons left behind from previous generations of bees. As they consume these resources, they leave behind silk-like webbing that disrupts the natural hive structure and makes it difficult for bees to move around and tend to their young.
A heavy wax moth infestation can completely destroy a hive by making the comb unusable. The damage is even more severe in neglected or stored supers where wax moths can breed undisturbed. If not controlled, wax moths can wipe out weak colonies, especially those suffering from disease, poor queen performance, or lack of maintenance.
Wax moths prefer dark, warm conditions, and they thrive in hives with gaps, cracks, or excess space that bees are not actively patrolling. The presence of wax moths in a hive is often an indicator that the colony is struggling and needs attention.
Signs of A Wax Moth Infection in a Colony
Recognizing wax moth infestations early is key to preventing serious damage. Some telltale signs of wax moth activity in a hive include:
Silken Tunnels and Webbing – Wax moth larvae create tunnels lined with silk as they burrow through comb. This webbing is one of the most noticeable signs of an infestation.
Cocoon Casings – Wax moth larvae form cocoons on hive walls, frames, and other wooden structures. These casings are often found in the corners of the hive or in gaps between frames.
Damaged Comb – Affected honeycomb appears chewed up and disorganized, often with visible larval tunnels running through it.
Unpleasant Odor – A strong, foul smell coming from a hive can be a sign of a severe infestation, particularly if wax moth larvae have started to take over brood areas.
Decreased Bee Activity – If bees seem less active than usual and there are fewer foragers entering and exiting the hive, it may be a sign that the colony is struggling, allowing wax moths to gain a foothold.
Do Bees Kill Wax Moths?
Healthy and well-maintained bee colonies are naturally capable of defending themselves against wax moths. Worker bees patrol the hive, removing and killing moth eggs and larvae before they can cause serious damage. Bees will also chase away or kill adult wax moths if they attempt to enter the hive.
However, if a colony is weak due to disease, lack of resources, or a failing queen, bees may not be able to keep up with the wax moth invasion. When a colony declines, fewer worker bees are available to defend the hive, making it easier for moths to lay eggs and larvae to spread. This is why beekeepers must maintain strong, healthy colonies and monitor their hives regularly.
Wax Moth Treatment for Bee Hives
If a wax moth infestation is discovered, immediate action is necessary to prevent further damage and potential colony collapse. Several methods can be used to manage and treat wax moth infestations, depending on the severity of the problem.
Removing Affected Frames – The first and most effective action is to inspect the hive and remove any frames that are heavily infested. Frames that are covered in larvae, webbing, and cocoon casings should be discarded or, if the damage is minimal, treated and cleaned.
Freezing Infested Equipment – One of the best ways to kill wax moth larvae and eggs is to freeze infested frames and hive components. Placing frames in a deep freezer at 0°F (-18°C) for 24-48 hours will eliminate any wax moths present.
Using Moth Traps – Wax moth traps, which use light and pheromone attractants, can be placed near hives to capture adult moths before they have a chance to lay eggs inside the colony. These traps help reduce the wax moth population and lower the chances of reinfestation.
Cleaning the Hive – Scraping and cleaning the interior of the hive, including wooden surfaces and corners where moth larvae may be hiding, is essential. Using a hive tool to scrape off webbing, feces, and cocoons helps eliminate wax moth eggs before they hatch.
Strengthening the Colony – Weak colonies are more vulnerable to wax moths, so helping the bees recover is crucial. This can involve re-queening the hive, supplementing with sugar syrup, or combining weak colonies to improve their strength and numbers.
Wax Moth Larvae Treatment
If larvae are present in stored frames or supers, treatment is essential to prevent future infestations. Some effective methods include:
Heat Treatment – Exposing infested equipment to high temperatures (above 120°F) for several hours can kill wax moth larvae and eggs.
Sunlight Exposure – Placing frames in direct sunlight for several hours can help drive away larvae and destroy eggs.
Diatomaceous Earth – Sprinkling food-grade diatomaceous earth in storage areas can help deter wax moths and kill larvae by dehydrating them.
How to Prevent Wax Moths in Bee Hives
Preventing wax moth infestations is key to maintaining healthy hives. Beekeepers can take proactive steps to reduce the risk:
Keeping Colonies Strong and Populated – A robust and active colony is the best defense against wax moths, as bees naturally patrol and remove any potential threats. Ensuring a healthy queen and regular brood cycles keeps the hive strong.
Regular Hive Inspections – Frequent inspections allow beekeepers to identify wax moth infestations early. Monitoring for signs of webbing, tunnels, and damaged comb can help mitigate the issue before it worsens.
Eliminating Weak and Empty Combs – Wax moths prefer dark, undisturbed areas. Removing excess or abandoned comb ensures that moths don’t have a place to breed.
Providing Proper Ventilation – Good airflow within the hive discourages wax moths, as they thrive in warm, humid environments. Using screened bottom boards and ensuring proper entrance space can improve ventilation.
Using Moth-Resistant Foundation – Plastic or reinforced foundation sheets help prevent larvae from burrowing through the comb and damaging the hive structure.
Storing Equipment Properly – Keeping unused frames and supers in well-lit, ventilated areas and using moth deterrents such as freezing or moth crystals can help keep wax moths away.
Using Natural Repellents – Some beekeepers have found success with essential oils like peppermint, tea tree, or neem to deter wax moths from infesting stored equipment.
By following these preventative measures, beekeepers can effectively reduce the chances of wax moth infestations and ensure the long-term health and productivity of their colonies.
Wax Moth Control in Stored Supers
Wax moths often invade stored supers, making proper storage crucial. Beekeepers should:
Freeze Supers Before Storage – This kills any existing wax moth eggs and larvae.
Store in a Cool, Well-Ventilated Area – Avoid dark, warm environments where wax moths thrive.
Use Moth Crystals (PDB) – Para-dichlorobenzene (PDB) crystals can be used in sealed storage containers to repel wax moths, but they must be fully aired out before reuse in hives.
Inspect Stored Equipment Regularly – Checking supers periodically helps catch infestations before they spread.
Final Thoughts
Wax moths can be a serious problem for beekeepers, but with the right preventative measures and hive management practices, infestations can be minimized or avoided entirely. Maintaining strong colonies, performing regular inspections, and properly storing equipment are the most effective ways to keep wax moths under control.
By staying vigilant and proactive, beekeepers can ensure that their hives remain healthy, productive, and free from the destructive effects of wax moths.