Beekeepers know that pests are an inevitable challenge, and the wax moth is no exception.

While these little intruders can wreak havoc inside the hive, understanding their biology can help us manage their presence more effectively.

The Wax Moth’s Lifecycle and Biology

The development of a wax moth (specifically the greater wax moth, Galleria mellonella) from egg to adult varies depending on environmental conditions such as temperature and food availability.

Generally, the timeline breaks down as follows:

Egg stage: Wax moth eggs hatch in about 5 to 8 days.

Larval stage: The larval stage can last between 20 to 40 days, depending on temperature and food. Warmer conditions accelerate development.

Pupal stage: The pupal stage typically lasts about 7 to 20 days.

So, from the day the egg is laid until the moth emerges as an adult, the process usually takes between 32 to 68 days under typical conditions.

Cold Is Your Friend

The wax moth, like many pests, thrives in warmer temperatures.

During the warmer months, their life cycle speeds up, allowing them to develop from egg to adult rapidly.

But as temperatures drop in the fall and winter, their development significantly slows.

This gives beekeepers a natural advantage in controlling infestations.

When it’s cold, wax moths struggle to reproduce at their usual rate.

Larvae develop more slowly, and the overall population takes longer to grow.

This is why beekeepers who store frames and hives in cooler conditions during the winter often see fewer issues with wax moths when spring arrives.

Managing Wax Moths in the Hive

While understanding the biology of wax moths is helpful, practical steps are still necessary to protect your hives.

Keeping hives clean, reducing humidity, and ensuring good ventilation can all help limit the conditions that wax moths favor.

During the colder months, keeping extra equipment and frames in a cool storage area will help ensure that wax moth larvae can’t thrive.

Taking Advantage of Cold Weather

Winter is your best friend when it comes to managing wax moths.

This is the time to store unused hive boxes, frames, and other equipment in a cold, dry place to kill off any larvae that may be lingering.

Just a few days in freezing temperatures can eliminate most wax moth activity.

If you’re located in a warmer climate where winters don’t get particularly cold, you may want to consider using a freezer for short periods to simulate cold storage.