Wax Moth Prevention and Control.
- Pete Rizzo
- Jun 26
- 6 min read
Protecting Your Beehive from Destruction.
Wax moths represent one of the most persistent challenges in beekeeping.
While these insects serve an ecological purpose by breaking down abandoned comb in wild settings, they can devastate managed hives when conditions allow them to establish.
We will provide comprehensive strategies for identification, prevention, and control based on current research and field-tested methods.
Understanding Wax Moths
Two species commonly affect beehives:
Greater wax moth (Galleria mellonella) - The primary concern for beekeepers. Adults measure 1.5-2 cm with gray-brown wings marked by darker bands. Females can lay up to 600 eggs in cracks and crevices throughout the hive.
Lesser wax moth (Achroia grisella) - Smaller with yellowish wings, these moths cause less individual damage but can be problematic in large numbers.
Life Cycle and Environmental Factors
Wax moth development is highly temperature-dependent:
At 70°F (21°C): 90-120 days from egg to adult
At 80°F (27°C): 42-50 days
At 90°F (32°C): 28-35 days
This temperature sensitivity means that wax moth pressure increases significantly during summer months and in warmer climates. Even in the desert you can't escape them. Development ceases below 60°F (15°C), making winter storage and cold treatment effective control methods.
Why Strong Colonies Resist Infestation
Healthy colonies maintain several natural defenses:
Worker bees patrol comb surfaces and remove eggs and small larvae
Proper hive ventilation and temperature regulation create unfavorable conditions
Strong populations can guard all areas of the hive effectively
Healthy colonies produce antimicrobial compounds that inhibit moth development
Risk Factors and Vulnerable Conditions
Wax moths typically exploit colonies weakened by:
Population stress: Queenless colonies, recent swarms, or winter losses.
Management issues: Overcrowded storage, poor ventilation, or infrequent inspections.
Environmental factors: Extended periods of high humidity or temperature.
Seasonal transitions: Late fall when populations naturally decline.
Critical timing: Most infestations begin during late spring through early fall when temperatures favor rapid development and colony stress peaks.
Early Detection and Identification
Visual Indicators
Larvae: Cream-colored with distinct brown heads, 15-25mm when mature. Unlike bee larvae, they move freely through comb and create visible tunnels.
Webbing: Silk tunnels and sheets, often concentrated along frame edges and bottom bars where bees have less access.
Frass: Fine, dark granular material (larval droppings) accumulates in affected areas and bottom boards.
Comb damage: Irregular holes and galleries, particularly in older, darker comb containing pollen and brood residue.
Behavioral Signs
Increased defensive behavior: Bees may appear agitated and show increased activity at the entrance as they attempt to remove intruders.
Premature capping removal: Areas of "bald brood" where moth larvae have chewed through cappings to access developing bees.
Odor changes: A musty or sour smell may develop in heavily infested equipment.
Inspection Schedule
Active season (April-October): Weekly inspections during peak risk periods.
Dormant season: Monthly checks of stored equipment and weak colonies.
High-risk situations: Increase frequency when managing stressed colonies or during extended warm periods.
Control Methods
Immediate Response to Active Infestations
Physical removal: Remove all visible larvae, webbing, and heavily damaged comb. Severely affected frames should be completely replaced rather than cleaned.
Cold treatment: Freeze affected equipment at 0°F (-18°C) for 48 hours minimum to kill all life stages. Allow equipment to return to ambient temperature before reintroduction to prevent condensation issues.
Colony strengthening: If the colony is viable, combine with a stronger colony or provide additional support through feeding and population management.
Integrated Management Approach
Pheromone traps: Deploy commercially available traps 50-100 feet from apiaries during peak flight periods (typically evening hours). Monitor trap catches to gauge population pressure.
Biological control: Bacillus thuringiensis var. aizawai specifically targets lepidopteran larvae. Apply to stored equipment according to label directions - never use in active hives.
Cultural controls: Regular comb rotation, prompt removal of deadouts, and maintaining strong populations provide the most sustainable long-term control.
Prevention Strategies
Colony Management
Maintain strong populations: Regular requeening, disease management, and adequate nutrition support natural resistance.
Proper ventilation: Ensure adequate airflow while maintaining appropriate hive temperature and humidity.
Entrance management: Reduce entrances on weak colonies during vulnerable periods, but maintain sufficient ventilation.
Seasonal planning: Time management activities to minimize stress during peak moth pressure periods.
Equipment and Storage
Comb rotation: Replace 20-25% of brood comb annually to reduce attractant residues and maintain comb quality.
Clean storage: Store empty equipment in cool, dry, well-ventilated areas. Avoid storage in warm, humid locations like unventilated sheds.
Pre-storage treatment: Freeze all equipment before storage, then maintain in sealed containers or well-ventilated stacks.
Chemical fumigation: For long-term storage of large quantities, paradichlorobenzene (PDB) crystals provide effective protection. Use only in stored equipment - never in active hives. Follow all label directions and ensure complete aeration before reuse.
Apiary Hygiene
Regular cleaning: Remove debris, old comb, and wax scraps from the apiary area.
Prompt deadout removal: Remove failed colonies immediately to prevent them from becoming breeding sources.
Equipment maintenance: Repair cracks and gaps that provide moth entry points and egg-laying sites.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Recurring infestations: Often indicate underlying colony health problems. Evaluate queen performance, disease presence, and management practices.
Storage failures: Usually result from inadequate pre-treatment or poor storage conditions. Review freezing protocols and storage environment.
Distinguishing moth damage from other pests: Wax moths create characteristic silk webbing and granular frass, unlike the smooth tunnels of other pests.
Treatment timing: Early intervention is crucial - advanced infestations may require complete equipment replacement rather than treatment.
Safety and Product Guidelines
Freezer treatment: Ensure consistent temperature monitoring. Home freezers may not reach optimal temperatures consistently.
Chemical treatments: Never use naphthalene (traditional mothballs) around bees. Only PDB crystals are approved for beekeeping equipment.
Biological treatments: Bt products must be specifically labeled for wax moth control and applied according to directions.
Personal protection: Use appropriate protective equipment when handling infested equipment or applying treatments.
Seasonal Management Calendar
Spring (March-May): Increase inspection frequency, assess winter losses, begin trap deployment.
Summer (June-August): Peak monitoring period, maximum trap effectiveness, immediate response to any signs.
Fall (September-November): Prepare equipment for storage, final treatments before winter.
Winter (December-February): Monitor stored equipment, plan replacement needs for damaged comb.
Long-term Success Factors
Effective wax moth management requires consistent attention to colony health rather than reactive treatment of infestations.
Strong colonies maintained through proper nutrition, disease management, and appropriate population dynamics rarely experience significant wax moth problems.
Regular equipment rotation, proper storage protocols, and prompt response to early warning signs provide the foundation for sustainable control. While various treatment options exist, prevention through good beekeeping practices remains the most effective approach.
Remember: Wax moths are opportunistic pests that exploit weakness. Address the underlying causes of colony stress, and moth problems will naturally diminish. Focus on building and maintaining strong, healthy colonies as your primary defense strategy.
Betsy & Pete
🐝Las Vegas’s All-Natural Live Bee Removal Team
About Us: The Authors
We’re Betsy and Pete - Beekeepers on a Mission in Las Vegas
We’re not just in the bee business, we’re in the bee-saving business. Trained by a master beekeeper and backed by hundreds of successful removals, we are dedicated to rescuing and relocating honey bees with care and precision.
Every swarm we save and every hive we manage reflects our deep love for the bees.
At our Joshua Tree Preserve in Arizona, we care for dozens of thriving hives. Some wild, some honey-bearing, and all are part of our commitment to ethical, sustainable beekeeping.
Why Vegas Bees? Because We Never Stop Learning or Caring
Beekeeping is always evolving, and so are we. We stay on the cutting edge by continuing our education, connecting with fellow beekeepers, and refining our beekeeping practices and techniques to ensure the best outcomes for both bees and people.
Whether it’s advanced bee removal strategies or the latest natural methods, we’re always one step ahead.
We’re also proud to support the beekeeping community with high-quality beekeeping supplies for everyone—from curious beginners to seasoned pros. If you’re ready to suit up and start your journey, we’ve got what you need.
