Wax moths
Wax moths (Galleria mellonella and Achroia grisella) are common pests whose larvae tunnel through beeswax combs, feeding on wax, pollen, and cocoon silk. Infestations are most severe in stored combs and weak colonies where bees cannot patrol effectively.
- Freeze combs to kill all moth stages5
Place stored combs in a chest freezer at -15°C (5°F) or colder for a minimum of 48 hours. This kills wax moth eggs, larvae, pupae, and adults without chemicals. After freezing, seal combs in plastic bags or airtight bins to prevent reinfestation.
📌 diy📌 organic4/16/2025, 9:22:01 PM
🛠️ Chest or upright freezer, plastic bags or airtight storage bins
- Maintain strong colonies to prevent infestation5
Keep colonies populous and healthy so worker bees can patrol every comb surface, detecting and removing wax moth eggs and small larvae before they establish. A strong colony with bees covering all frames is the single most effective defense against wax moths in active hives.
📌 best practice4/16/2025, 9:22:01 PM
🛠️ None
- Fumigate with PDB crystals3
Place paradichlorobenzene (PDB) crystals on top of stacked supers sealed with tape or in airtight containers. PDB releases heavy vapors that settle downward, killing wax moth eggs, larvae, and adults over 2-3 weeks at temperatures above 21°C (70°F).
📌 commercial4/16/2025, 9:22:01 PM
🛠️ PDB crystals, airtight containers or packing tape, respirator mask
- Apply BT (Bacillus thuringiensis) to stored combs4
Spray or dust stored combs with Bacillus thuringiensis var. aizawai (Bt-a) before stacking them for storage. Bt-a produces a crystal protein toxin that is specifically lethal to wax moth larvae when ingested, while remaining harmless to bees, humans, and other non-target insects.
📌 commercial📌 organic4/16/2025, 9:22:01 PM
🛠️ Bt-a spray (Certan / B401), spray bottle or pump sprayer