Re: Use of Bt Aizawai or Xen Tari
For those interested in the
Xen Tari brand of
Bacillus thuringiensis 'Aizawai
', it is presently available again through Amazon.
This
Bacillus thuringiensis 'Aizawai' strain is the only Bt strain that is known to be very effective against wax moth larva (both species - greater and lesser), yet virtually harmless to humans and honey bee brood and adults. There are many other strains of Bt that are effective against various other pest insects. Some of these other Bt strains can be harmful to honey bees. If you're adventurous, be careful, some Bt products contain combinations of Bt strains, in order to be effective against a larger variety of target pests. There are also some Bt products that carry inert ingredients that may be directly harmful to some non-target creatures, such as our honey bees.
I like to apply the Bt to my idle combs, to help ensure that they still exist, when I'm ready to reuse them in my hives.