Wax moth!

[Heather]

Just cleaning up the polynuc I hived a wild colony in last year, after I transferred them this week to a wooden nuc with OMF .
. There was wax moth in the wild comb, I did know - but the little .... have really invaded the poly material. Didnt think wax moth larvae would do that-thought just wood- live and learn ...

 

[RoseCottage]

Heather,
Could you possibly post a picture for us to see and understand better?
Thanks,
Sam

 

[For want of a better word]

Could be a NEW pest......"Pollymoth"........ science has identified bacteria that consume crude oil... and polystyrene is an oil ~ derived product.........

as an aside received a bit of delicate scientific kit packed in ..... not the usual expanded polystyrene, but a light compressed molded cardboardy material... looked as strong as the polyhive material, but possibly another hivemaking mold material ?

 

[Heather]

View attachment 3563

This is the floor- I tweezered 3 juicy larvae out and there is invasive damage, nearly through to the outer edge. Just as well I am considering OMF!!.

 

[bushman1872]

I just found a whole load of the little gits burrying their way accross some sealed brood along wit a whole load of bees with deformed wing virus- not pleased.

 

[oliver90owner]

bushman1872,

In my experience, waxmoth is rarely a big problem with a healthy, strong colony. It would seem that your colony is under stress and needs some urgent attention.

Any unused combs in a weakened, or 'weakening', colony will be an easy feast for waxmoth.

Regards, RAB