Moth eaten comb

[Ken Albright]

I have several frames of drawn out comb that have been partially eaten by wax moths. I would like to use that wax for starter strips in my TBH. Is there a problem with melting it down and reusing it? I would first cut out the obviously damaged areas. Will melting it kill any eggs, etc. left behind?

What I've read about treatment for moths always involves chemicals. I would rather throw the comb away than introduce chemicals in my hives.

Thanks

Ken

[Gene Weitzel]

Ken

I think the heat from melting would probably kill any eggs. To be safe, stick it in the freezer for 24 hrs first. That will definately kill them.

[Michael Bush]

A little moth web will filter out when you filter the wax. A lot of moth web will soak up all the wax. It takes practice to judge if you're going to get more or less wax. smile.gif

[FordGuy]

what's wrong with leaving them in a box, in the sun, for a week till the eggs hatch, moths won't lay in the sun, then use it. bees will clean it up.

[Ken Albright]

Anyone see a problem with FordGuy's idea?

[ScadsOBees]

Instead of a week in the sun just pop them in the deep freeze for a day, as Gene mentioned. Moths won't lay eggs in the sun, but that doesn't keep larvae from growing up in the sun.

The bees will clean it up.

There shouldn't be too much problem if you want to melt it down either, that will kill any eggs.