Wax moths in stored supers | How to prevent wax moth in supers | How to treat wax moths in supers
Why wax moth pressure is high this year, why prevention beats cure (don’t store brood/pollen frames), safe storage tips, and headline treatments: freezing, sulphur discs, and acetic acid
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Wax Moths in Beehives — Prevention & Treatment (UK)
Mild autumn nights + early extraction = perfect wax moth conditions. Protect stored comb first, treat only if you have to. This guide shows what to do now and how to avoid damage next time.
Why wax moths are worse this year
- Early supers off: Drought shortened the nectar flow; more comb sat in storage for longer.
- Warm, mild nights: Adult moths stayed active later into autumn.
- High-risk comb around: Brood/pollen frames are protein-rich — larvae tunnel fast.
Prevention (do this first)
- Do not store combs that have had brood, or that contain pollen. Cycle it out or reuse promptly — it’s a wax moth magnet.
- Store only clean wax combs (drawn for honey only).
- Light + air: Cool, dry, well-lit, ventilated storage. Dark/damp stacks invite moths.
- Monthly checks: Look for webbing and frass; act early.
Storage methods (quick compare)
| Method | Use it for | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Light & ventilation | Clean wax combs | Good deterrent; not enough for brood/pollen comb. |
| Freezing (−18°C, 24–48h) | Clean wax combs or Combs that have residual pollen | Kills eggs/larvae/pupae. Seal after thaw to prevent re-infestation. |
| Sulphur discs (sealed stack) | Longer-term stacks | SO₂ gas kills eggs/larvae. Refresh every 2–3 weeks; air before reuse. |
| Acetic acid 80% (sealed stack) | Sterilising comb; moth control | Effective but corrosive — fumes can damage frame runners, screws, nails, and frame pins. Ventilate well and protect/replace metal parts. |
If you already see damage
- Light damage: Scrape webs; freeze or fumigate; reuse only sound frames.
- Heavy damage: Melt down comb; clean/sterilise boxes and joints (pupae hide in cracks).
- Sanitation: Scorch timber or wash down; remove residues.
- Destroy: Remove and destroy combs that have had brood or more than 10% pollen
Quick checklist
- Only store clean supers; never brood/pollen comb.
- Choose a method: freeze → seal → store ventilated; or sealed stacks with sulphur discs/acetic acid.
- Inspect monthly; act early.
Seasonal how-tos and tools: https://jurassicbees.co.uk/pages/hive-how-tos
Feeding calculators for winter prep: https://jurassicbees.co.uk/pages/sugar-syrup-calculator-for-bees-1-1-2-1-ratios-uk-beekeeping
FAQ
Why are wax moths so bad this year?
Early extraction left more comb in storage, and mild nights kept moths active. Adults laid in stacks; larvae developed quickly.
What’s the best prevention?
Do not store brood or pollen frames. Store only clean supers in cool, dry, light, ventilated spaces and check monthly.
Does freezing comb work?
Yes. Around −18°C for 24–48 hours kills eggs, larvae, and pupae. Seal frames after freezing to prevent re-infestation.
Do sulphur discs work?
Yes, in a sealed, bee-tight stack. Burning discs release SO₂ that kills eggs/larvae. Refresh every 2–3 weeks; air comb before reuse.
Is acetic acid safe for equipment?
Effective, but fumes are corrosive and can damage frame runners, screws, nails, and frame pins. Ventilate well and protect/replace metal parts.
What if infestation has started?
Light: scrape webs; freeze or fumigate; reuse only sound frames. Heavy: melt comb and sterilise boxes/joints to remove hidden pupae.