Wax Moths, Nosema, Viruses, and Vertebrate Predators#
1 . 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.
2 . 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.
3 . 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.
4 . What do wax moth adults do when a hive is opened?
Adults avoid light and will quickly run or fly away.
5 . 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.
6 . 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
7 . 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