Hello,
1 week ago I checked the white trays under my 4 hives and saw what looked like mites (little black ones and white ones) scurring about. On two of my four hives I found what appears to be 2 wax moth larvae (they built little tunnels into the debris on the tray. Neither mite nor wax moth seemed to be in the frames...I'm hoping the follow up statement isn't "YET". How do I know my hives are healthy enough to combat, or should I treat it immediately. Thank you!
finding mites on the tray means the SBB is doing what you want it to, finding wax moth larva on the tray is normal, just nature cleaning up the trash, as long as you keep the hive strong you shouldn't have a problem with the wax moth larva. As for the mite's, just do a 24 hour mite drop count and do your normal treatment if need be..... hope this helps!!!
Wax moths in the beeyard are drawn to any comb or wax discarded from a hive via either the beekeeper removing and discarding burr comb (why do it when it invites moths?) or from the bees own housekeeping. If the wax was found on the sticky pad it shows that the SSB is doing its job as are the bees.
A strong hive on a SBB should be able to combat the Varroa mite with judicousl use of drone comb.
Strong colonies usually take care of wax moths with no help from us at this time of year. If the hive is weak- I would try CERTAIN-it is a natural product that can be sprayed on the combs. This product consists of a bacteria that affects the wax moth larvae,killing them before they can ruin the comb. It is not a man made chemical.