Wax Moth Question

[c10250]

If freezing frames kills moth larvae and eggs, how does the wax moth survive the winter?

I'm asking this question because I want to bring some frames inside, but do not want the wax moths to reapear.

TIA

Ken

[Kathyp]

they can winter over in protected places other than your frames.  i found that out when i found some web,  moths, and eggs (?) on the outside of my observation hive along the opening cracks.  they were protected by the sheet i hang over the hive.

so...i guess they don't need to be actually on the frames to make it.  only in a place that stays above freezing.  cracks of occupied hive bodies maybe?

[JP]

I'm with Kathy on this. Its just like with mosquitos, water's frozen solid just about everywhere, but somewhere it isn't, somewhere protected & those little sobs emerge yet for more blood sucking!


...JP

[Scadsobees]

And they can survive very low temps, I'm convinced that they can freeze, I've found them in frames in my garage which I know was below 30.  So in a hive it only take 2 or three somewhere near the cluster and they will survive.  And if they can pupate in the leaf mold, burrowed in the ground, cracks in the house, just like any other bug does.  And keep in mind that raw, exposed, freezer freezing is different and will kill any bug.  Bees die in the freezer but hives survive.

And SHB aren't supposed to overwinter in the frozen north, but I'm here to tell you that they haven't found that out yet and do just fine here like the wax moths. :roll:

[Michael Bush]

I have torn off roofs in the winter and found them alive under the shingles, but basically freezing kills them the  same as basically it kills flies.  But there are always more come spring...

[USC Beeman in TN]

Wax moths are like wasps and other insects that do not pupate in the ground.  They find a place to keep warm (enough to survive) for the winter.  In old buildings, under a wood pile, under mulch, etc.

Now mosquitos are another matter.  :evil: Their eggs can be frozen for years in water.  But at the first thaw they will hatch out. :-x

[danno]

 the very popular icefishing bait wax worms are greater wax moth larva.  Every bait shop in the midwest sells them at this time of year.  Anyone up here that has ever fished for blue gills through the ice has used them.