Handling wax moth

[Levitt53]

I seem to get wax moth in my drawn frames as soon as I put them in the shed almost. I know you can freeze them and I have a chest freezer so that’s easy but you can’t then get them quickly and use them in a hive on short notice. Do I just need to effectively store them there and anticipate when I’ll need them. Can they be re-frozen (presumably)? Is there a way to prevent wax moth in the first place? It’s just a general purpose shed with everything stored in it, maybe I need to find a better storage option but it’s nice and near the hives.

 

[Cuckmere couple]

i found my first wax moth larvae in some cells yesterday...they were white cells but capped and scratched the top off and out it fell

i store my frames in shed near bees too and tend to put them in brood boxes or supers and put a roof on them...then freeze when i see any signs

not sure if thats the best way or not

 

[Angularity]

Freeze them to kill any existing moths, then bag them up so that no new moths can get to them. Then you can keep them in your shed or wherever.

 

[enrico]

I still don't reckon freezing kills them!
E

 

[megadyptes]

I seem to get wax moth in my drawn frames as soon as I put them in the shed almost.

I have a similar issue, and suspect the problem is there is enough other stuff in the shed to support their lifecycle when the frames are in use in the hives. I'm guessing the name 'wax moth' is a bit of a misnomer as wax and the various buildup on it from brood isn't the only source of sustenance.

I've often wondered whether setting off a few greenhouse sterilisation devices - sulphur bombs etc - would be a way of trying knock down the number of moth/larvae in the shed. Then you're back to trying to control whet gets brought back in on the frames - freezing, certan...

I guess you could individually wrap each from in foil prior to storing them in a box/super, that way you should at least stop them wandering from frame to frame and trashing an entire box worth of comb.

 

[Stiffy]

I seem to get wax moth in my drawn frames as soon as I put them in the shed almost. I know you can freeze them and I have a chest freezer so that’s easy but you can’t then get them quickly and use them in a hive on short notice. Do I just need to effectively store them there and anticipate when I’ll need them. Can they be re-frozen (presumably)? Is there a way to prevent wax moth in the first place? It’s just a general purpose shed with everything stored in it, maybe I need to find a better storage option but it’s nice and near the hives.

If they are clean of moth, pallet wrap is your friend.
S

 

[Roola]

I spray all my frames with Certan before storing them in stacked in the shed. Solid floor under and roof on top. Never had a problem come spring the next year... Works a treat.

 

[Gilberdyke John]

I seem to get wax moth in my drawn frames as soon as I put them in the shed almost. I know you can freeze them and I have a chest freezer so that’s easy but you can’t then get them quickly and use them in a hive on short notice. Do I just need to effectively store them there and anticipate when I’ll need them. Can they be re-frozen (presumably)? Is there a way to prevent wax moth in the first place? It’s just a general purpose shed with everything stored in it, maybe I need to find a better storage option but it’s nice and near the hives.

Of course you could spend a relatively little money and use Certan/B401

 

[Eyeman]

Of course you could spend a relatively little money and use Certan/B401

Your drawn comb is your third most valuable asset after your bees and brood. Give it the respect it deserves.

 

[citrus]

Certan/B401 on the shopping list ... any recommended sellers for the price keen punter ?

 

[Beverlyp24]

Another vote for Certan. It really does work. I also put one of the clear plastic crown boards in between each super of frames as an additional barrier, so if there should be any wax moth, it is limited to one super only.

 

[Jimmy]

Certan/B401 on the shopping list ... any recommended sellers for the price keen punter ?

The apiarist blog website has a useful post about certan and cheaper alternatives from last November

 

[citrus]

The apiarist blog website has a useful post about certan and cheaper alternatives from last November

interesting thanks

http://theapiarist.org/being-certan/

 

[Eyeman]

As an alternative to Certan, some beekeepers use DiPel DF. This contains the kurstaki subspecies of Bacillus thuringiensis. Although a different subspecies, the toxin is equally effective and equally specific. DiPel DF is widely available from agricultural suppliers and costs about £55 for 500g. DiPel DF sourced from Italy is routinely listed on eBay at a much lower price.

Thanks for bringing this to my attention. Anyone else tried it. Apiarist say's used as a 1% dilution but on tomatoes at 0.1%.

 

[Eyeman]

Decided to buy the Italian product- came with a £3+ discount code PICKANY if others are interested. In any case will need some for my broccoli.

 

[fatshark]

Thanks for bringing this to my attention. Anyone else tried it. Apiarist say's used as a 1% dilution but on tomatoes at 0.1%.

You're not treating tomatoes!

1% works ... and works out at 2p/frame.

 

[citrus]

Decided to buy the Italian product- came with a £3+ discount code PICKANY if others are interested. In any case will need some for my broccoli.

winner