Anything I can do for suspected wax moth in colony?

[BeeSpace]

Hiya

I have a weak colony that is showing fighting spirit and hanging on so far - inspection board shows small amounts of brood hatching, they've been treated for varroa and have fondant on due to no stores, insulation up top with OMF.

When I checked the inspection board that had been left in a bit longer than planned after last treatment (been in about two weeks) there is evidence of what I think is wax moth droppings. No sign of them previously.

I know that wax moth are only usually an issue in already weak colonies, but I'd like to do everything I can for this colony despite it being unlikely to survive - is there anything I can do to minimize impact of the wax moth without risking further stress to the bees? I'm reluctant to remove the crown board and go rummaging, but if it's best to go in and dummy them down further, I'll do it. I'll even buy them a poly nuc and move them in if it'll help - although I don't fancy it given the forecast, even though I know it would be relatively quick!

Any advice gratefully received.

 

[Millet]

Have you got a picture of the droppings..

 

[BeeSpace]

Have you got a picture of the droppings..

Yep, here we go...

 

[ShinySideUp]

They look a bit like mouse droppings not that I am an expert on either creature.

 

[Curly green fingers]

I agree , another none expert here though.i had problems with mice / shrew early winter.

 

[BeeSpace]

They look a bit like mouse droppings not that I am an expert on either creature.

I agree , another none expert here though.i had problems with mice / shrew early winter.

Hmm, I've got a mouse guard on so I don't think there can be a mouse in the hive, but I guess it's possible one took refuge on the inspection tray for a bit. I don't think it's shrew droppings as I think I researched them a couple of months ago (I forget why!) and they are corkscrew shaped or something if I remember right.

When I got into beekeeping, I never dreamed I would spend so much time googling different droppings...

 

[Millet]

It looks the wrong colour for wax moth from what i have seen..i have seen similar on my inspection boards before today and it was from Earwigs but i am not sure if is too cold for them to be active..

 

[Beefriendly]

Too small for mouse, most likely earwigs or wax moth

 

[Curly green fingers]

Hmm, I've got a mouse guard on so I don't think there can be a mouse in the hive, but I guess it's possible one took refuge on the inspection tray for a bit. I don't think it's shrew droppings as I think I researched them a couple of months ago (I forget why!) and they are corkscrew shaped or something if I remember right.

When I got into beekeeping, I never dreamed I would spend so much time googling different droppings...

Funny , that I've been the same googling things that you wouldn't normally Google .

I didn't see any bee debris on your inspection board so there's a possibility it's not mice , slugs leave droppings also , as millet has said it could be earwigs maybe.

My problems with mice was a bit of a head scratcher, mouse guards on but they were going in from the back of the hive there was none getting through the floor and when i took apivar strips out there was none in the hive .

Do you have clear crown boards take a torch and look down through the seems if you do .
Or you could attach a small mirror to a piece of wood and slide it through the entrance shine a torch on the mirror to see what's going on .

I'm not mad just mad about beekeeping .

 

[Parsonage Bees]

They vary but the oblong ones look like wax moth. Only one frame.

I had some in a small hive last year and when I opened them in April found this.

Which wasn't too bad. I think this is wax moth. Not actually in the brood. I'm guessing they won't multiply much in this cold weather so won't become a big problem. Good luck.

. .. . Ben

 

[drex]

To the OP:-
Not a lot you can do at this time of year. You doubt whether the colony will get through winter as it is so small anyway. I would leave alone and if they survive until it is warmer I would get them into a poly nucs and continue to feed. Later you could boost them with a spare frame of soon to emerge brood if needed.

 

[MartinL]

To the OP:-
Not a lot you can do at this time of year. . . . . I would leave alone and if they survive until it is warmer I would get them into a poly nucs an . . . . continue to feed.

Certainly wouldn't poke them around at all now, what will be will be.
You can ensure they don't survive by opening up the hive now when they need to be left well alone.

 

[Beefriendly]

You can ensure they don't survive by opening up the hive now when they need to be left well alone.

I think Mike Palmer might disagree with you here...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gi6blu8x8lk

 

[The Poot in Somerset]

Comparing the size of them to the varroa on the right, I'd say they're earwig droppings -too small for a mouse.

 

[BeeSpace]

Well, the consensus seems to be moving towards Earwig droppings - that sounds better than wax moth since it seems there's nothing I can do if it is wax moth, so I'm happy to take a diagnoses of earwig poo. There's a sentence I never thought I'd say!

To the OP:-
Not a lot you can do at this time of year. You doubt whether the colony will get through winter as it is so small anyway. I would leave alone and if they survive until it is warmer I would get them into a poly nucs and continue to feed. Later you could boost them with a spare frame of soon to emerge brood if needed.

What temp would you say I needed it to be for moving them into a poly nuc? 15 degrees maybe?

 

[Millet]

What temp would you say I needed it to be for moving them into a poly nuc? 15 degrees maybe?

When the temperatures are warm enough for them to forage nectar so they can fix what we destroy with wax ..

 

[BeeSpace]

Great, thanks Millet. I've ordered them a poly nuc so will be patient and move them when it's warmer.