AI6YR BenWax moth larvae, if you have never seen them! Chickens love these.
michael10-Apr-2025
How to protect #bumblebee colonies safe from killer moths? Keep #honeybee hives away from them
Bumblebee colonies closer to honeybee hives are more likely to attract voracious #waxMoths
How to protect bumblebee colonies safe from killer moths? Keep honeybee hives away from them
Researchers have shown for the first time that bumblebee colonies are more likely to become infested with bumblebee wax moths as they are closer to nearby honeybee hives, which can likewise host these potentially devastating parasites. As the distance to the apiaries decreased, bumblebee colonies were less productive, while their workers showed a weaker general immune response to pathogens and parasites. The authors advise honeybee keepers to keep apiaries away from habitats rich in bumblebees, which are important pollinators but declining worldwide.
Wax moths have a valuable role, I believe, in the ecosystem -- especially in the wild. They favor old, dark wax (which bees HATE), and consume it to for nutrition. In hives in trees, they will eat away all the old crappy wax and some wood (for good measure), and then they die off when they run out of old wax. That leaves a VERY CLEAN and pristine cavern that is perfect for bees. The bees move back in and the cycle starts again. (this process, however, is very destructive for beekeepers, as they destroy frames, foundation, and even boxes). #beekeeping #waxmoths #tips
Anyone wondering what wax worms look like (as they start working into an empty hive), here's a good photo. Your easiest fix -- especially in a small hive--is to freeze the frames, which kills all the eggs and larvae, and hope bees move in quickly! A large, healthy hive will keep out wax moths.
#beekeeping #tips #beekeepingtips #waxmoths
https://m.ai6yr.org/@natesiggard/112294809202487916
#beekeeping #tips #beekeepingtips #waxmoths
https://m.ai6yr.org/@natesiggard/112294809202487916
Nate Siggard (@[email protected])
Attached: 2 images @ai6yr Will the bees move in and kick these worms out or? Already sat in the freezer for 24 hours