.. rst-class:: bee-header

Wax Moths, Nosema, Viruses, and Vertebrate Predators
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.. qa::

   What is the scientific name for the greater wax moth and what does
   it look like in the hive?

   `Galleria mellonella`

   Larvae are white to gray caterpillars that spin webbing across the
   comb surface. Unlike small hive beetle damage, comb affected by wax
   moths does not appear slimy.

.. qa::

   How do wax moth larvae damage colonies?

   They tunnel through and consume wax comb, (especially brood comb or
   where pollen has been stored), and chew into wooden hive components
   when preparing to pupate, leaving grooves and depressions where
   they spin their cocoons.

.. qa::

   How can you distinguish small hive beetle larvae from wax moth
   larvae?

   Small hive beetle larvae tend to cluster (often in corners), whereas
   wax moth larvae are typically scattered throughout weak
   colonies. Beetle larvae are smaller, have three pairs of true legs
   near the head, and possess a tougher outer body. Wax moth larvae are
   larger, soft-bodied caterpillars, and have multiple fleshy prolegs
   along their abdomen.

.. qa::

   What do wax moth adults do when a hive is opened?

   Adults avoid light and will quickly run or fly away.

.. qa::

   Do wax moths kill colonies?

   No. Wax moths are opportunistic pests that invade weakened
   colonies. Female moths sneak into a colony and begin to lay eggs in
   areas not guarded. Stronger colonies typically control or remove
   the eggs, larvae and adults.

.. qa::

   What are non-chemical control methods?

   * Maintain strong colonies
   * Don’t give colonies too many supers or extra
     area they can’t control
   * Store comb in well-lit, ventilated areas
   * Allow airflow between stacked equipment
   * Freeze comb for at least 24–72 hours to kill all life stages

.. qa::

   How can stored equipment be protected?

   `Bacillus thuringiensis` (Bt) is a naturally occurring, Gram-positive,
   soil-dwelling bacterium and one of the most widely used biological
   pesticides in the world. It can be applied to stored combs or frames
   to protect them from wax moth infestation.  During its life cycle, Bt
   produces protein crystals known as delta endotoxins. When wax moth
   larvae consume treated comb, these toxins disrupt the gut lining of
   the larvae, ultimately killing them. Importantly, Bt is highly
   specific in its action and does not harm honey bees, making it a safe
   option for beekeeping use.  A single application of Bt to stored
   equipment can provide effective protection against wax moth damage for
   an entire storage season, provided the combs are kept dry and
   protected from re-infestation.  Paradichlorobenzene has been used
   historically but is discouraged due to residue and safety concerns