Wax moths

How cold does it have to get to kill wax moth eggs?

I've got some empty boxes stacked outside now. Maybe I should unstack them and lean them against the barn so they cool faster?

Hey Ken,

Best thing to do is Freeze the frames for 24 hours and then seal up a lot of them together, leave no gaps for moths to get in.

I also usually put a newspaper between boxes, just incase a moth gets in.

You should also only store seven frames per box, leaving a gap between the frames.  Moths hate gaps and fresh air.

I have heard people hang them under the eaves on their shed or house and the constant cold air stops them, I have never tried this so can't comment.

Cheers...Gary

Moth crystals. NOT moth balls.

Mike Barkley wrote:Moth crystals. NOT moth balls.

Explain the difference? Crystalline naphthalene?

I should point out that moth crystals are recommended for winter storage not killing off moths. No doubt it would kill them though. Place empty boxes & frames inside plastic bags with moth crystals for storage. I do not use plastic or chemicals. I make 100% sure empty hive boxes are moth free before winter storage then block the entrances with duct tape &/or pieces of wood. Freezing will kill them. They will vacate the hives on their own if left open & exposed outdoors. They like dark cramped places. Moths generally will not be present unless the colony has other serious problems & is all but dead. Consider them as the undertakers who finish the job. They will ruin the wax & eat the wood too.



Moth crystals' active ingredient is paradichlorobenzene while moth balls are made with naphthalene.  You could probably research these chemicals and see why the crystals are better for honey supers.  I have been told many times that bees will not return to supers that were stored under mothballs.

Interesting! Guess I have never heard of moth crystals then. I thought I knew moth balls were bad for bees... Cool information, sir!  Thank you!