Wax moths in Honey Supers.

[Dave W]

Textbooks claim that wax moths cant survive on beeswax or honey. Do they get "into" honey supers? Yes. Do they do harm? They never have in mine!

[CentralPAguy]

I too was under the misconception that wax moths won't go into supers containing honey. But it happened to me in September. I had pulled my supers off and they were built mostly from new foundation and the wax moths did alot of damage on some of the frames as they burrowed into the honey.

I had to learn the hard way and never again, will I pull Supers and wait until it is convenient for me to extract. The girls kept the wax moth out of their hives. If I can't extract right away, then my plans are to leave the super on.

[alpha6]

Originally Posted by Dave W

Textbooks claim that wax moths cant survive on beeswax or honey. Do they get "into" honey supers? Yes. Do they do harm? They never have in mine!

Wax moths will destroy your honey supers and the honey if you don't stay on top of them and extract. They can and do survive in the honey.

[Dave W]

Wax moths can and do "sometimes" damage comb honey. Thats why we are advised to freeze it soon after harvest.

Wax moths do not "prefer" to overwinter in honey supers.

Honey supers AND brood chambers can be stored overwinter WITHOUT fear of damage, IF the frames are exposed to light (and air helps). When "winter" temps are at or below about 40 F, wax moth damage is not a problem.

I have brood chambers and honey supers that have been stores for years w/o treatment of any kind; w/o damage.

[mgmoore7]

Originally Posted by Dave W

Honey supers AND brood chambers can be stored overwinter WITHOUT fear of damage, IF the frames are exposed to light (and air helps). When "winter" temps are at or below about 40 F, wax moth damage is not a problem.

In FL, I have experienced wax moth in frames that had plenty of light. Maybe is reduces the infestation but it definately does not stop it.

[Dave W]

>In FL, I have experienced wax moth in frames that had plenty of light . . .
Adult moths? or some larva?

Adult Wax moths only lay eggs in darkness.

[mgmoore7]

I think I just had a revelation that makes me look stupid. I had a criss cross stacked with no lid set outside so that it would have light. But... it gets dark at night.

So the revelation is that they need to be lit 24hrs a day.

[Dave W]

>the revelation is that they need to be lit 24hrs a day . . .
BINGO!

While you are on a roll (w/ revelations), I have some other problems I would like your help in solving

And remember, in Fla the temp does not get cold enough to "stop" Wax moth activity.

[mgmoore7]

Fire away.