How To Get Rid Of Wax Moths In Beehives

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We look at how to get rid of wax moths in beehives. Wax moth control in stored supers is important to ensure that your supers are not damaged. 

Problems with wax moths in your beehive are often a symptom of weak or stressed bees. Preventing wax moths in beehives and wax moth treatment are important basic beekeeping skills.

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There are two species of wax moth which are common. The Greater wax moth (Galleria mellonella) is the more common pest I have seen.  The Lesser wax moth (Achroia grisella) can also be a pest but is less common generally.

Types Of Wax Moths

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Life Cycle Of Wax Moths

Both types of wax moth look about the same in the larval staves except the greater wax moth larvae grows to be larger, and makes a bigger mess. 

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Wax Moths In Beehives

The adult moth lurks in the bushes near hives and will sneak into the hive through the entrance or cracks in the supers and lids at night.

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ADVICE

Use queen excluders to keep your super comb free of bee silk. Wax moths need to eat something with protein in it in order to grow. Beeswax on its own is insufficient to nourish them.

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