Protecting Comb From Wax Moths

[@kathyhathaway8823]

Jason at the end of last season I did find a few frames of mine that the wax moth had just got in the frames . At that point I put them in the freezer . After a few days I pulled the frames out an took a tooth pick an run it along the trails of the wax moth an WOW it did VERY LITTLE damage to the comb an cleaned it out very well. Then put back in freezer till spring. The tooth pick is a blessing to save my comb . Thanks Jason.

[@JCsBees]

Hello Kathy, Glad to hear you were able to save the comb and save it for this season. Good job!

[@rogierdikkes]

Got a tip from an old beekeeper to place walnut leaves on them. The boxes that had walnut leaves are free so far.

[@JCsBees]

Interesting. I need to give that a try. Thanks for sharing!

[@carldaniels4827]

What species of walnut?

[@maragrace820]

Black walnut? I wonder if bay leaves would do. They use it to prevent larva in flour and other foods. REAL wheat flour will get moths if it is natural (moths won’t go to store bought flour because that is not wheat ... )

[@jamesbarron1202]

My grandpa used to put horse apples (Osage orange apples) under his pier and beam house to keep bugs away. That might work for this also.

[@mapache_del_sur]

Omg your chickens are so cute!!!

[@jessewilson2197]

I've had 🐝 for 34yrs.tryed freezer,moth crystals, plastic bags, nothing really worked,so now, after I ext. I put boxes and frames on for 🐝 to clean up,and leave on until I extract next first of June, it's hot enough for honey to flow, have 8boxes on, a strong hive will keep moths controlled, and come spring, have plenty of room to store nector, past June all boxes were completely full,got 11gal.citrus, mesquite,Palo Verde, light thick honey, in Nwtucson.. fun hobby.. Cool

[@davidsoloninka7742]

So, Jessewilson2197, are you saying that you leave your super on year round? Thx I am a novice trying to learn.

[@davidsoloninka7742]

Could the moth already laid her eggs in your comb before u bagged them up? Thx

[@timan2039]

BT is very good, I've used it on plants of any kind, in water to deal with mosquito larva etc.

[@familyhearingandbalancecen9777]

You ate doing some great work in your videos Jason! ! Keep up the great work!

[@437AlBig]

Thanks for the video. Last year I put all of my honey super frames into a big bin and poured cedar shavings in the bottom and down between each frame. It worked nicely. This year I am going to try keeping them in the honey supers and pour the cedar shavings in there and then seal them all up with tape. I have too many supers to use the same bin again. I'd have to buy more bins and I don't want to do that. I'll check out your video on BT and see how that works. Hope to be getting some chickens this next year. Thanks again.

[@JCsBees]

Sounds like you and Kevin Jackson (commented below you) have been using the same idea with the cedar shavings. Great idea! I never gave that any though. I kinda wonder if hives built of cedar would deter moths? Funny how as the bee yards grow how we need more of everything like bins to keeps our materials safe from pest. A beekeeper on my Patreon page has a freezer just for frames over winter. Great idea but an expensive investment, I guess it would pay in the long run though. Glad to hear your considering chickens. They are nice to have around as you could see.

[@MrSnapper1d]

Use some BT in a plastic square cheap tub with water and dip your frames and foundation and combs into it.Then even your wooden ware is protected.Dip boxes in also one side at the time.Doesnt take but a second on each frame or box and you are good to go.BTa and BTk both will keep wax moth killed off.

[@JCsBees]

Great suggestion with the tub and dipping everything. Thanks!

[@CoolBeansGG]

I put frames in freezer for 2 days then i wrap them up (5 at a time) with stretch foil then store them in boxes. I freeze them to kill any potential larva in them then wrap them to protect them from moth

[@VWFamilyFarm]

I’ve never used BT but I do use paramoth and then store them in an old coke cooler.

[@reneebrown5598]

Lol. I hear you on the rain. Looking forward to Tuesday when we are likely to get some rain

[@JCsBees]

We finally got some rain yesterday and it's still lightly raining this morning. Makes me happy!

[@SquirrelsForAll]

Great video, Jason! Thanks for posting this very helpful information.

[@benjamindejonge3624]

Thanks

[@JCsBees]

No problem

[@johnmorgan9435]

Jason, want to see your gig!

[@jamesmathews1023]

Im with you.....gotta have chickens!!

[@anabelaramos8399]

Mine had a big breakfast from these pests a few days ago. I was not very happy :/ with the situation but for them it was heaven on earth. I love my chicken. And my bees, when they don't die.

[@scotthenderson4376]

I have pollen frames I froze and they got into them. can I freeze them again clean off the comb and bleach them?

[@JCsBees]

Yes. Next time leave the frames in the freezer until you are ready to use them.

[@kevinjackson1840]

jason i have been using incense cedar shavings from woodshop. been working great.

[@JCsBees]

That's a great organic treatment. I will have to keep it in mind.

[@gilberthensley4631]

Im curious what does the cedar do?

[@kevinjackson1840]

incense cedar has an oil scent that detours moths in general from any wood structure.

[@gilberthensley4631]

@@kevinjackson1840 very cool ill have to try that next year. Thanks

[@janetkouma1]

35 degrees here last night. Nebraska/ I will experiment with a few boxes of comb in a large mosquito net canopy meant to go over a bed. Will still allow light and air to get in while holes are too small for even a mosquito. My bee house has 2 sky lights and 2 windows. Praying it works.

[@JCsBees]

Best of luck!

[@bruono1246]

Will window screen keep the out?

[@clifftonwhitaker8]

It’s always very satisfying watching chickens 🐓 go to town on frames infested with hive beetles or wax moths lol. It’s like watching Karma happen

[@richardkuhn8115]

Very important stuff Jason. Thanks for sharing that with us.

[@tomcrynock37]

Can you show what the package looks like? I can’t find a powder to mix up. I would appreciate it. Thank you

[@rodbeckstedt8588]

Jason, I've also used cedar shavings from tractor supply and put a bunch in a bottom board, stack about every 3 to 4 boxes then add another layer of cedar shavings and more boxes and more shavings then cover with a outer cover and it works out well for me. Check it out. I did it like how grandma put her keepsakes in a cedar chest to keep them safe from moths in the house.

[@JCsBees]

Great idea, Rod! I need to try this.

[@rodbeckstedt8588]

It smells good also. At least for us. Lol

[@reneebrown5598]

Love your clean up crew

[@duncanharrison7661]

Hi Jason, watching this clip of you controlling wax moth. I live in the uk where little, apart from freezing frames is recommended. Can you let me know the exact product of BT you use please as, after researching on the internet, I may be able to use it here. Thanks for all your advice.

[@JCsBees]

You would need "BT Aizawai" to combat the wax moths. chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/www3.epa.gov/pesticides/chem_search/reg_actions/registration/fs_PC-006494_10-Jun-05.pdf Good luck!!

[@duncanharrison7661]

Thanks Jason. Very much appreciate your input on KZbin. Bless you.

[@beebob1279]

You forgot to mention that wax moths will only survive on comb that has had brood laid on it. Broodless comb such has honey supers doesn't have enough nutrition for the wax moths to develop and grow. You likely had moth eggs on your frames that you put in the trash bag and they hatched. That's all it takes for those things to take off and ruin everything. I never used BT before and don't know where to get it. I've used paramoth for years and it works quite well. The issue is using it consistently and making sure the crystals don't all evaporate. You have to keep replacing the stuff over summer. Make sure you DON'T use moth balls or moth crystals. These are dangerous to the bees and people. It's illegal to use that. Make sure you use paramoth. And of course you can keep your supers over the colony after extraction to control wax moths, but this gets in the way when you inspect your colonies.

[@romoshka1]

Bee Bob I have to respectfully disagree . I’ve had wax moth destroy drawn frames that were devoid of brood and honey with only a few cells of pollen.

[@JCsBees]

Good point I should have mentioned a couple things you pointed out. Thanks for bringing them to everyone's attention.

[@thuffman44]

@BeeBob . Of course, all beekeeping is local. What I've seen here in southern Florida, wax moth don't care what's in in the cells. I do wild bee tree removals, among removing comb from various structures. Once ants clean out honey comb, wax month soon follow and devour it up. Here in my region, I simply use freezers. I don't use BT or paramoth crystals. Once I scrap the frames clean and freeze them for a few days, they are pulled and put back onto the hives. Or, I simply stack and store them inside rubber made totes with tight fitting lids & keep them inside the house with A/C. I constantly rotate comb and use frames from honey supers to replace older darker brood comb which bees seem to no longer utilize

[@JCsBees]

@Steve Jackson Me too, I've seen wax moths not care rather comb was brood or a honey frames. Best to protect all comb.

[@rogierdikkes]

Unfortunately I just threw 6 cleaned out honey frames in the freezer with waxmoth on it.

[@mollyweis5321]

I laughed so much in the first 30sec😂 now imma hit play again and continue

[@JCsBees]

@Molly Weis Glad I was able to make you laugh, I think? lol 😉

[@steverochon1620]

Jason, is the BT safe to use with comb intended for honey consumption by humans?

[@gordonwybo898]

Which strain of BT do you use? There are I believe four or five different strains and I know only one of them is affective on the wax moths.

[@justducky0]

Does freezing just kill WM larva or does it kill eggs also.? I wonder if BT is detrimental to brood since Bt targets gut of WM larva, do you know?

[@markridgemr]

Do you need to let the BT treated frames dry out first before storage so they don't get mold/mildew?

[@JCsBees]

Probably not a bad idea. Just don't set them in direct sun.

[@pacanoeist]

I've been storing some old frames outside in the direct sunlight and no moths are present, however this is not something I'd want to do with new comb. I'm wondering if wrapping frames together in shrink wrap, and sealing the shrink wrap with a heat gun to conceal wax scent, then storing them in light would protect them from moths.

[@JCsBees]

I am not sure if that would work or not. Like I said in this video, I've seen moths get through trash bags. I think I would consider the cedar wood chips that several have commented they are using.

[@SmallTNHomestead]

Great video! Was like watching kids in a candy store. 😀 Thanks for the information!

[@swordfishkind2704]

Sometimes are already eggs in the come no mot or larva en the eggs came out and trouble 😒

[@kathyhathaway8823]

Is there a time of year where they are worse then the rest of the year or are they bad all year . Thanks Jason

[@JCsBees]

In the Fall, they are the worst. make sure to reduce the hive entrances so the bees can defend them.

[@rionijam727]

What's the name of the song from the end of this video, been wondering for years with no results even from shazam

[@gigibees9313]

It’s called American Made by Donald Miclette.

[@charlesoneill466]

Great video..thanks Are you going to any conferences this falls?

[@JCsBees]

I'd like to go to a few but my farm chores don't stop regardless the season.

[@tatkinsful]

Can I use B.T. on my frames, let them dry and put them back in supers and let the bees work them immediately ?

[@gordonwybo898]

Air them for 48 hours

[@bobh2581]

Rather than buy you can culture Bacillus thuriugiensis on your own.There are a few recipes on the web if you are interested in saving a few bucks.

[@romoshka1]

It has come to my attention that a saucer of 70%vinegar on top of a box/tote/etc for lol of frames and then covered with lid will deter insects and mice. Apparently it is common practice in Russia and Balkan states. I have some BT and paramoth (Para dichlorobenzene) but have never used the BT. The product I have was ordered out of Canada as it wasn’t approved for honeybee comb at the time (it had been approved but it’s “approval” had expired and wasn’t renewed probably due to governmental agency negligence). Do you know if it’s been reapproved? I’ll ignore gov regs if there is good data to support my decision. I use the BT dunks (Bacillus thuringiensis subspecies israelensis) in my aquaponic tanks and other and other vessels with open water to control mosquitoes. Being concerned about possible toxicity to bees drinking the water I contacted both the manufacturer and the entomology department here at Clemson University. Both assured be it was totally harmless to the bees. I’ve used paramoth and really don’t like it because it requires airing out the frames to insertion into a hive and although it doesn’t “penetrate into the wax” like regular moth balls do I find it cumbersome to do the prep after storage. This year I’m going to do an experiment. I’m going freeze all frames for 72 hours and then spray several frames with the BT (it’s not the same subspecies israelensis - B401, aka Certan, is BT subspecies aizawai) and store them in a dark spot with plenty access for moths, another couple of frames in a tote with 70% vinegar in a saucer on top of those frames and evaluate in the spring. Interesting that paramoth and vinegar both work to deter entrance of the moth with paramoth being able to kill while B401 (Cretan) works by allowing moths to enter but kills the hatched larva as soon as they eat the first mouthful of wax thereby preventing any damage. It will be used on frames placed in swarm traps next spring. You can order it here: www.vita-europe.com/beehealth/products/b401/

[@romoshka1]

Actually you can’t order it at the site I referenced. They show Dadant and a Canadian distributor but neither website seems to have it or I’m too stupid to find it.

[@JCsBees]

Did not know that about the vinegar. I will keep that in mind. I do not know if BT is approved but I do know it works and is safe for bees so I use it when needed regardless the approval. I did not know there was a prepping stage after using para-moth either, thanks! Does sound like a extra unneeded step that could be avoided with other products. I'll check into the B401 was not aware of it either. Thanks for sharing all the valuable information, Steve.

[@romoshka1]

Jason Chrisman B401 aka Certan is the form of BT approved for use in Europe. Where are you sourcing your BT?

[@romoshka1]

Send you a PM

[@JCsBees]

@Steve Jackson I bought a bunch from my cousin years ago and still have not used it all. I think he got it from ebay but not sure.

[@reneebrown2968]

Does the bt have any smell? I'm thinking of putting a hive box full of wax filled frames under my bed till spring. That way they don't melt out. My colony died out because of the lack of a queen that would stay in the hive. But i want to save the wax for an early start next year.

[@micla6221]

Hows the sumac working out??

[@JCsBees]

Videos coming soon, just trying to help the new beekeepers get their hives ready for winter first.

[@ilexxx54]

Love this! I will have to try this with my chickens.

[@JCsBees]

They will love it!!

[@wescarpenter5603]

I love watching my girls feast on those larva.

[@MRJRILEY19841]

Where are you located I am in Tupelo MS was just wondering how your region compared to mine

[@JCsBees]

I am in central Ohio.

[@rebeccafontes3717]

Love your ladies! I do want chickens but my husband doesn't want any more pets, etc. that have to have care when we go away for weekend or vacation. Maybe eventually 😊

[@JCsBees]

I wish you the best of luck at getting some chickens. I love our girls. They are fun to raise. I love calling them and watching them all coming running like dad has treats. As a bonus you get fresh eggs from everything they eat.

[@peterlightbody8443]

Interesting video Jason, will btw keep hive beetle away .

[@JCsBees]

It will probably not keep shb away but will kill any larva that try to bore into comb after being treated with BT.

[@thecolburnfarm7613]

I love having our yard birds, your are well trained. Great video

[@JCsBees]

Yes, we call our chickens a lot and they are very used to it. I should do a video showing how they all come running. lol Glad you enjoyed the video.

[@hardymarshfarm7843]

thanks for sharing all this, I have been watching all morning. new +1 to your channel. we will start our 2 go at bees in the next few weeks, didn't have good luck at it last year, our bees departed, but I understand a lot of people had issues. Anyway thanks for sharing and if you care to watch we have started a channel,

[@reneebrown5598]

Do you have the same issue if they are open to the sun? I haven't noticed any issue and I have 5 frames in a box that is in the sun

[@JCsBees]

Sun does seem to help keep wax moths away but I don't like leaving frames out, that just draws small hive beetles. Do you have some kinda lid on your box like plexiglass to let sun in but keep pest away?

[@Mackabees]

Did you post yet on sumac. I've been trying it the last two times checking hives. No data yet, but no mites on sticky board.

[@JCsBees]

Not yet but it's coming. I am still testing myself. Results soon!

[@Mackabees]

@@JCsBees Great and looking forward to it. I'm also trying black seed oil.

[@gameldor]

My chickens will not go near a frame. I set some with wax moth larva on it by the entrance of their run while they were out and they would no go back in the coop at night. I have real "chickens", maybe even useless.

[@JCsBees]

Oh my that does sound like true chickens. lol What breed do you have?

[@gameldor]

@@JCsBees Bard's, Reds, and Cuckoo Maran, I think is from the Bard family. I think my wife has spoiled them.

[@arsuloyandong3471]

Nice one

[@JCsBees]

Thanks for watching

[@Mackabees]

Freeze for two days then put in garage bag and close up.

[@DooBees-ub1me]

My boys bee keeping at 2

[@wesleysmith8]

Can you use Bt on frames that have capped and some uncapped honey?

[@JCsBees]

Great question but I am not sure. I guess I've never sprayed those frames as I leave them on the hive for the bees to manage. I've only sprayed frames I was storing for winter.

[@gordonwybo898]

Bt is “harmless “ to humans but it is never a good idea to risk tainting your honey. Just put your honey frames in a strong hive to finish out and treat your empty supers. A strong hive should be able to take care of one frame without the problem spreading.

[@markheslin8745]

I use BT. Stuff is awesome !

[@JCsBees]

Where do you buy yours?

[@markheslin8745]

@@JCsBees Our local hardware shop. It's marketed as a caterpillar killer.

[@fionmor4893]

will BT hurt the bee larva?

[@russellkoopman3004]

BT kills only lepidoptra (moths and butterflies). It gives them an ulcer in the gut and they die quickly. It has been used for GMO corn and does a great job and has been around for about 20 plus years.

[@parrotbill9072]

Speaking of trash bags... just saw a video where the guy put his extra frames in a trash bag, then put a open bag of Moth Balls in with the frames. Said you have to air them out before you use them. With moth balls, it wouldn't matter if there was a small hole and a couple of moths got in, they'd die.

[@JCsBees]

Never and I mean never put moth balls even close to your frames. Here's why, beeswax is absorbent and could absorb chemicals that could be released into the nectar/honey. Very bad idea in my opinion..

[@parrotbill9072]

@@JCsBees good advice, thanks.

[@peterlightbody8443]

Hello again Is it possible for you to do an update on the beetle buster board , what do you think now since you have had it a while please .

[@JCsBees]

Hello Peter, Give me some time and I will try to side in an update video on beetle blaster. I already have the next few videos planned out. Hang in there and I will get the video up.

[@peterlightbody8443]

@@JCsBees Thank you

[@reneebrown2968]

Well i had 10 frames to protect for next year.

[@628DirtRooster]

Thumbs up

[@chadcraft2884]

Moth crystals ?

[@JCsBees]

Moth Balls are a no, no around beekeeping equipment. It can kill bees and will absorb into wax comb.

[@chadcraft2884]

@@JCsBees I've heard that about the Balls, but was told the crystals are different and ok to use

[@TheRainHarvester]

Bees and beef" channel claims sunlight gets rod of moths. Here this frame was sitting in sunlight and got moths. What gives?!

[@JCsBees]

I would guess the number of hours in direct sun makes the difference. My property is lined with tall pines so the sun has a short window to hit my yard.

[@TheRainHarvester]

@@JCsBees idk. His was in his barn!

[@MSH-el2yz]

Love the chickens!!!!!!!!

[@plumcreekbees4418]

Good girls

[@amathonn]

I share your intense dislike for wax moths. Just checked a nuc with a three-week old swarm capture and the little jerks were in there already, even with a small entrance. I've kept comb in sealed up black heavy duty trash bags (after freezing) with no problem.

[@carldaniels4827]

I give you thumbs up every video but I can't do it on this one. The count is 665. I just can't bring myself to add 1 number to total the evil number. Sorry j c I'll check back another day to give you the thumbs up.

[@JCsBees]

I appreciate the efforts on your part, Carl. Glad you enjoy the videos.

[@handydandy3359]

Won’t moth balls work ?

[@JCsBees]

@DrivenSpace33 Do NOT use moths balls around bee equipment it will absorb into the wax and kill the bees. The make a product called Para-moth which is approved for beekeeping when used correctly.

[@jonesy4588]

wasted my time here I don't have chickens

[@JCsBees]

Sorry it felt like a waste of time. If it's any account I enjoy seeing new names in the comments.

[@super_straight]

If it is deadly to wax moths, it is harmful to bees. Chickens do a great job though.