Author Topic: Wax Moths (Read 11968 times)

tbonekel · « **on:** January 17, 2014, 07:13:06 pm »

I have quite a few frames and deeps in the barn and the other day, I went out and there were about half a dozen moths flying around the window. I think they are after my frames. A lot of the frames have nothing drawn and are basically brand new. Should I be concerned about moths contaminating those frames? My plan is to freeze most of the frames and then put them in trash bags before needing them in the spring. But I didn't know about the un-drawn foundation. I have not seen any real signs of moth damage on any of the frames so I know they are not too far gone yet.

LazyBkpr · « **Reply #1 on:** January 17, 2014, 07:50:40 pm »

The moths wont be capable of doing any damage to the frames that are not drawn. If they are drawn, they will wreak havoc!!
I froze twenty frames, left them frozen for two weeks. Put them in garbage bags straight from the freezer, and sealed the bags tightly, and put them in the garage.. totally unworried about them.. five months later I took them out to use... GOD what a horrible mess!!! I have no idea how the moth got to the frames, or if they survived the freezing, but all twenty frames were destroyed.
I put a frame of drawn comb up on the cupboard as a decorative piece, thinking.. LIGHT and AIR.. the moths wont touch it.. two weeks later it was half covered in webs..
The ONLY thing I have found that helps is the moth crystals from Mann Lake. Put them on a paper plate, set them on top of the bars and close up the trash bag.. They dont get touched. Wax moth is HORRIBLE in this area. I cant even use an old frame of drawn comb in a swarm trap without them obliterating it within two weeks.
Un drawn foundation covered in wax hasnt been fussed with at all.

rcannon · « **Reply #2 on:** January 17, 2014, 08:19:47 pm »

Store them in the chicken coop. Let them take care or the moths.

Perry · « **Reply #3 on:** January 17, 2014, 08:31:02 pm »

Up here the cold does them in for about 4 months of the year!
I'd post a smiley after that, but then think about it! $:-\$

rodmaker · « **Reply #4 on:** January 18, 2014, 12:19:54 pm »

I live where it rarely gets cold enough to kill wax moths. had bad problem with moths in stored comb mann lake crystals cannot be sold in ca so i tried BTaizawi it is a biological insecticide and have not had a problem since. Once the larva start to feed they die before any damage is done. With the material from mann lake must be aired out completely before placing frames in hives . Spray bt on foundation and then use or after drawn comb either way very effective.

skydiver · « **Reply #5 on:** January 18, 2014, 01:05:36 pm »

I'm in Rodmaker camp on this one, works well and no airing out before reuse.

Jen · « **Reply #6 on:** January 18, 2014, 02:24:08 pm »

rod- ""i tried BTaizawi it is a biological insecticide and have not had a problem since.""

But what effect does this insecticide have on the over all hive?

rod- ""bad problem with moths in stored comb mann lake crystals cannot be sold in ca""

I live in CA and that wouldn't stop me, I would just have one of you fine beeks ship me some, bribing can pay off

rodmaker · « **Reply #7 on:** January 18, 2014, 04:05:30 pm »

Jen bt only affects moths no ill effect on the bees at all it has much less problems than the Paramoth that is widely used in the industry. Paramoth works very well its just that i prefer the bt as it will not effect bees or brood or honey.

Slowmodem · « **Reply #8 on:** January 18, 2014, 04:41:36 pm »

I don't think BT is a poision insecticide type thing like DDT or Sevin. I think it is a spore that only kills catapillars.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bacillus_thuringiensis

Riverrat · « **Reply #9 on:** January 18, 2014, 04:54:17 pm »

Bt is classified organic as it is a natural spore. It does not cause any problems with bees themselves

Jen · « **Reply #10 on:** January 18, 2014, 05:15:38 pm »

Good To Know! Thank you Gentlemen

keeperofthebees · « **Reply #11 on:** February 07, 2014, 01:22:43 am »

Quote from: tbonekel on January 17, 2014, 07:13:06 pm

I have quite a few frames and deeps in the barn and the other day, I went out and there were about half a dozen moths flying around the window. I think they are after my frames. A lot of the frames have nothing drawn and are basically brand new. Should I be concerned about moths contaminating those frames? My plan is to freeze most of the frames and then put them in trash bags before needing them in the spring. But I didn't know about the un-drawn foundation. I have not seen any real signs of moth damage on any of the frames so I know they are not too far gone yet.

I don't know how many hives you have! If you even have a dozen, a 55 gallon open top drum is your best friend. Find yourself one in either plastic or metal. I'd suggest metal, because you can get the silicone rubber replacement gaskets at the bee store. Dump a box of moth balls(pure napthalene only) at the bottom of the barrel, after you stack up all your combs in there. Put the ring & lid on the barrel with a good gasket and you're best off. Plastic bags are great if you're in a 100% mouse proof garage. If you're extracting & stashing your boxes in an old barn, garage, wood shed, etc. The mice will chew right through that plastic and eat your frames up & make a nice nest.

LazyBkpr · « **Reply #12 on:** February 07, 2014, 09:09:37 am »

With Paramoth crystals I havent had problems with moths OR mice. I always throw a handful of rodent poison blocks about the room I have the supers in too just to be safe. I use contractors garbage bags, paramoth crystals on top of the frames on a paper plate.. problem is they have to be aired out, and If I air them out for more than five days they WILL suddenly have wax moths in them..

iddee · « **Reply #13 on:** February 07, 2014, 09:13:00 am »

BT is much better.

http://www.guilfordbeekeepers.org/community/viewtopic.php?f=4&t=1728

LazyBkpr · « **Reply #14 on:** February 07, 2014, 09:24:13 am »

BT!! I keep forgetting about that stuff!! I need to get some ordered and try it!!

Riverrat · « **Reply #15 on:** February 07, 2014, 09:28:33 am »

I have been told not to use moth balls. They will leave a residue on the comb. Not sure where I seen that or if it is a myth. Maybe bees just dont like the smell of grandmas coat in the fall

LazyBkpr · « **Reply #16 on:** February 07, 2014, 09:32:33 am »

right MM! Normal moth balls use.. napthalene?? dont remember what it was exactly, but it will be absorbed by the wax, the paramoth from Mann Lake and other suppliers doesnt have that stuff in them and is safe to use.. however, they still REEK like mothballs and are very unpleasant to be around or handle.. If the BT works it will be my new best friend.

lazy shooter · « **Reply #17 on:** February 07, 2014, 09:34:23 am »

Do you just spray the BT on the frames and let them set? I have used BT in my garden. It is death to caterpillars.

Riverrat · « **Reply #18 on:** February 07, 2014, 09:46:27 am »

Believe it or not you can get paramoth at the local hardware store or even walmart in the same container you get from bee supply houses and its a whole lot cheaper. Walmart keeps it near the ironing boards clothes pin etc aisle amazing what you will learn shopping with the wife

rodmaker · « **Reply #19 on:** February 07, 2014, 11:46:58 am »

I started using bt this past year and have had no wax moth problem since just spray on frames after extraction and then store or replace on the hives after dry. I also have been spraying my new wax foundation after installing in frames so wax moth don't start in before the bees get the frames.