Wax Moth Larvae under SBB

[db_land]

I've seen wax moth larvae and cacoons under the screened bottom board where the bees can't get them.

Would Certan sprayed on the SBB prevent wax moth larvae from hiding there? Do the Small Hive Beetles hid out there too?

Thanx

[Michael Bush]

>I've seen wax moth larvae and cacoons under the screened bottom board where the bees can't get them. Would Certan sprayed on the SBB prevent wax moth larvae from hiding there?

Probably. But isn't that a better place for them than in the hive? They don't hurt anything there.

>Do the Small Hive Beetles hid out there too?

SHB seem to like cracks and crevices.

[Robert Brenchley]

Certan should sort that out, alternatively you could scrape the bottom clean now and then; I assume you must have something solid under the SBB for them to develop on.

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Regards,

Robert Brenchley

RSBrenchley@aol.com
Birmingham UK

[bjerm2]

I have my hive up on stands with Screened bottom boards. The larva, mites, wax worms etc fall down and the ants have a meal!
Dan

[mark williams]

This is JMO don't mean to rain on anybody's party,I jumped on the SBB band wagon afew years back,spent biggest part of the winter building them,But I've had it with them.Bees keeps the hives clean That is what alot of the breeders look for when selecting a breeder,Unless you have the time to keep them cleaned out (I Don't)I believe it is worst on the bees,holding all kinds of diseases & pest.Over the last 2 years I've lost more hives that was on SBB than the ones that are not.I also think that the bees gets used to the smell of the wax moth when they are under there for any period of time & it makes them easier to get in the hives even strong hives of bee's,The same way rats get in the hives in the winter,But when it warms up the bees (most of the time) don't pay them any attention.I've seen mice live in the corner of strong hives of bee's.But as I've said IMO.>>>>Mark

[db_land]

MB - the best place for wax moths is nowhere near my hives; even so, I'd prefer them dead.

A few moth larvae spin cacoons just below the screen and escape the attention of bees (and ants once they're in a cacoon). All of my hives sit on concrete blocks and have open bottoms about 8 inches above ground.

Generally, I like SBB because I can monitor mite drop, but I don't like giving wax moths a secure place to pupate. So, I guess I'll try spraying the bottoms with Certan. Thanx

[Michael Bush]

>MB - the best place for wax moths is nowhere near my hives; even so, I'd prefer them dead.

The wax moths of the world will continue to survive. They will be near your hives. They will lay their eggs somewhere in and around your hives. Regardless of what you prefer. They do a lot less damage on the tray than on the combs.

But the Certan will kill some of them.

[bjerm2]

If I remember right they also will eat pollen and flower (type you use for baking). They can become a nightmare once established. A strong hive has no problems dealing with them.
Dan

[Robert Brenchley]

I had problems with greater wax moth last year, for the first time; I think I probably introduced it with some nucs from an area where its common. I sprayed everything with Certan in the spring, and haven't seen one since. I still have lesser around, but that's endemic locally, and its never been a problem.

------------------
Regards,

Robert Brenchley

RSBrenchley@aol.com
Birmingham UK