According to the New South Wales Department of Primary Industries, "wax moths are major pests of stored or unattended combs," and may cause damage to beekeeping materials by eating wax in abandoned or underpopulated hives. The simplest way to remove wax moths from a hive is to freeze them----all forms of wax moth life will cease after approximately 4.5 hours of exposure to temperatures under 20 degrees F.
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Instructions
1
Wax moths feed on honey comb cells.
Remove hive frames from the hive. In infested hives, wax moth damage will likely be visible on combs.
2
Unlike bees, wax moths are unable to survive freezing temperatures----which makes them a less significant pest in cold weather climates.
Place combs in freezer at a temperature below 20F or -7C. Keep combs in freezer for at least five hours.
3
Remove frames from freezer. Using a knife, cut away damaged comb from healthy comb. Using a knife and your fingers, remove remaining wax moth bodies from hive and frames.
