Dead hive... wax moths, what to do

**Dan. NY** · 09-06-2011, 09:56 AM

I checked my hive after being away for a month and didnt find one honey bee. I did find some yellow jackets and many many white grub type worms. I am thinking they are wax moths. My question is what to do to get rid of these things before they destroy the comb on my frames. I assume I can re-use my equipment without worry? I would like to keep and use the comb for next springs package.

Dan

**psisk** · 09-06-2011, 11:46 AM

Freeze the frames ASAP for 24 hours and store them securely till you need them again.

**Intheswamp** · 09-06-2011, 12:02 PM

Could it be SHB larvae?????

Any webs or slime???

Ed

**johnblagg** · 09-06-2011, 12:47 PM

you can also use the type of bt specific to wax moths to spray the comb after you clean it up and prevent them later

**Dan. NY** · 09-06-2011, 01:31 PM

They well could be. I really dont know. Here are some images, sorry about the focus. Not sure what happened. I dont see any slime though so thought wax moths. These images only show a few of the larvae. There were so many more. Comments??

http://s39.photobucket.com/albums/e1...sues-20010906/

**Intheswamp** · 09-06-2011, 02:56 PM

I can't tell by the pictures...the focus is indeed bad. Moth larvae will have legs like catepillars...fleshy and run a good length of their bodies. SHB larvae will have more pronounced hard shell covered legs with joints...three sets behind their heads. At least that's the way I think it's supposed to be. Moth larvae "smush" easier than the tougher larvae of the beetles.

Ed

**wltwine** · 09-06-2011, 02:58 PM

Originally Posted by Dan. NY

They well could be. I really dont know. Here are some images, sorry about the focus. Not sure what happened. I dont see any slime though so thought wax moths. These images only show a few of the larvae. There were so many more. Comments??

http://s39.photobucket.com/albums/e1...sues-20010906/

Wax moth, chances are they have infested the comb.

**AmericasBeekeeper** · 09-06-2011, 03:49 PM

If you have a friend with chickens, they will clean up the larva with minimal damage to the comb.

**Dan. NY** · 09-07-2011, 10:51 AM

I put my frames in the freezer last night and am hoping that takes care of them. I dont have chickens so went this route and am hoping it gets them. Thanks for the advice.

Dan