Worldwide Beekeeping

Beekeeping => Pests and Diseases => Topic started by: Mikey N.C. on August 31, 2018, 03:00:58 pm

Title: Wax Moth!
Post by: Mikey N.C. on August 31, 2018, 03:00:58 pm

I sprayed 10 boxes of drawn comb (10 deeps) after deadouts last winter with BT
Must have missed 3 boxes. Was very busy at that time. Stored all boxes in an empty mobile home . Found out , when needing frames this spring , that I must have missed 3 boxes.  They were destroyed by wax moth( what a mess)  moths didn't touch other boxes.  I had 2×4 lumber stacked in that room also. Yesterday i was building some walls for friend. This is what i found.
(https://thumb.ibb.co/g1QbFK/0829181834.jpg) (https://ibb.co/g1QbFK)
On about 3 boards .

Title: Re: Wax Moth!
Post by: Jen on August 31, 2018, 07:16:30 pm

Whew! Looks like a wax moth 'love in' Mikey  :D

Title: Re: Wax Moth!
Post by: tedh on August 31, 2018, 07:29:08 pm

Wow, sorry to hear about the loss of those frames Mikey.  Thirty frames has got to hurt.  On the up side the wax worms make good fish bait.  Ted

Title: Re: Wax Moth!
Post by: Mikey N.C. on August 31, 2018, 09:58:43 pm

The heat had already gotten to them.  What got me,  if they are wax depend,  then why lay eggs on 2×4 ten feet away?

Title: Re: Wax Moth!
Post by: efmesch on September 02, 2018, 01:23:53 pm

Another upside is the proof of concept: BT works!

Title: Re: Wax Moth!
Post by: Mikey N.C. on September 02, 2018, 01:46:17 pm

Yes,
But from now on. I'll be sealing the frames in the large contractors garbage bags after spraying or using the large rubbermaid containers.

Title: Re: Wax Moth!
Post by: Jen on September 02, 2018, 02:32:53 pm

Hi Ef, I Love Bt! But it's still illegal here in Calif. I've been getting Bt from a good source for the last 3 or so years, but that source is taking a big risk mailing it to me, so I'm on the look out for another source all ready here in Calif. I have friend who runs a bug and termite business, she's going to check into getting some.

I have some frames locked up in some large plastic totes. Until I get some Bt, I'll take those infected frames and put them into the freezer for 48 hours. That works like a charm as well.

Title: Re: Wax Moth!
Post by: rober on September 02, 2018, 09:27:56 pm

sealing the bags after spraying with BT usually results in mold. if I was not going to use them right away I used to cross stack my boxes & run a fan on them for several days. but I've found that the best time to spray them is just before you put them on the hive. keep in mind that it needs to be reapplied every 3rd year to remain effective

Title: Re: Wax Moth!
Post by: Mikey N.C. on September 03, 2018, 12:17:08 am

Rober,
Yes air dry for sure before.
Was at a apiary 2 yr
 ago ,beek kept his drawn frames under a barn.  On there sides doesn't use anything

Title: Re: Wax Moth!
Post by: Mikey N.C. on September 03, 2018, 12:21:11 am

Boxes set on there sides ;D