Wax moth

[cornishpixi]

Thank you for letting me join. I have a small bee hive and bought some bees last year for the garden, all was going well until the dreaded wax moth got in the hive. Where the bees go in and out is a plastic cover that the bees have to push past and I thought this would keep the moth out - obviously not! I would like to use the hive this year but how do I stop the moth getting in and destroying everything. Thanks

 

[Oscarmonster]

What do you mean by a small hive?
A normal strength colony will not be troubled by wax moth.

 

[Amari]

Thank you for letting me join. I have a small bee hive and bought some bees last year for the garden, all was going well until the dreaded wax moth got in the hive. Where the bees go in and out is a plastic cover that the bees have to push past and I thought this would keep the moth out - obviously not! I would like to use the hive this year but how do I stop the moth getting in and destroying everything. Thanks

Welcome to the Forum! Wax moth rarely troubles a healthy colony so maybe your bees died and the wax moth moved in? Have you joined your local beekeepers association so that you could request local help?

 

[cornishpixi]

Its small! approx 2ft x 2ft. They all seem to be buzzing around quite happily. I'm sure we have a local bee keepers assoc near us will look into it thanks

 

[Arfermo]

Its small! approx 2ft x 2ft. They all seem to be buzzing around quite happily. I'm sure we have a local bee keepers assoc near us will look into it thanks

Google for BBKA and there you will find a link to a page that allows you select an area in the UK where you will find the BKAs, and an email or/and telephone number of the secretary, that you might wish join. Often you can have a looksee first. Joining one is the best way of getting advice from experienced beekeepers in your area and you will also probably get some hands-on experience in the club apiary too.

 

[MuswellMetro]

Its small! approx 2ft x 2ft. They all seem to be buzzing around quite happily. I'm sure we have a local bee keepers assoc near us will look into it thanks

Our hives are about 1ft 6 by 1ft 6 but in summer you add extra boxes on top
, do you have extra boxes?

Did you buy it new?...and welcome to the forum agree about the wax moth, the hive has to be dead before the get going as the bees keep them under control if queenright

 

[cornishpixi]

OK thanks for that, I didnt want to disturb the bees saw them going in and out but perhaps the rest had died.

 

[Tonych224]

This sounds like you have bought the Bee lodge and Bumble bees from a company called Dragonfli??