Lesser wax moth

Systematic position: the lesser wax moth, Achroia grisella, is a member of the order Lepidoptera and the family Pyralidae. It is a well-known pest that specifically targets beehives, thriving in the environment maintained by honeybees.

Affected materials: this pest does not infest growing plants but acts as a destructive agent within apiaries. It primarily targets honeycomb, beeswax, pollen reserves, and hive debris. By consuming these materials, the moth compromises the structural integrity of the hives and the health of the bee colonies.

Biology and life cycle: the insect undergoes a complete metamorphosis: egg, larva, pupa, and adult moth. Adult females lay eggs in the crevices of the hive or directly on the honeycomb. The larvae are the primary damaging stage; they burrow through the wax, constructing silk tunnels. The development time is temperature-dependent, allowing for multiple generations per year in warm climates.

Nature of damage and economic impact: the larvae feed on the wax foundation, causing tunnels throughout the honeycomb. This destruction turns the wax into a web-filled mass of debris. Infestation leads to a significant loss of stored honey and pollen, causes stress to the colony, and, if left unmanaged, results in the abandonment of the hive by the bees.

Control measures:

• Maintaining strong and healthy bee colonies that can effectively patrol their hives.
• Regular inspection and culling of old, dark, or damaged honeycomb.
• Proper storage of supers and drawn comb in cool, well-ventilated areas.
• Using physical controls like freezing or heat treatment for stored combs.
• Implementing biological controls or specialized pheromone traps to monitor and reduce moth populations.