Practical Guide: 2.6 Wax moth

The wax moth is not considered a disease. In nature, wax moths play an important role by destroying old, abandoned combs, which are potential sources of pathogens. Attracted by odours, wax moth adults enter hives and lay their eggs there. The resulting larvae feed on pollen residues and on cocoon remnants that remain at the bottom of the cells.

Official aide-mémoire – Summary

Aide-mémoire: 2.6 Wax moth

• Definition: The wax moth is a moth whose larvae destroy combs, brood remains, and cocoons, causing significant damage.
• Occurrence:
  • Primarily in weak or queenless colonies.
  • Frequent in stored frames kept under warm and poorly ventilated conditions.
• Observed damage:
  • Tunnels and silken threads within the combs.
  • Destruction of brood and food frames.
  • Frames rendered unusable.
• Prevention:
  • Maintain strong and healthy colonies.
  • Store frames in cool, dry, and well-ventilated locations.
  • Regularly inspect stored frames.
• Important point:
  • The wax moth is not a primary cause but an indicator of underlying weaknesses.

► Open the official aide-mémoire PDF (FR)

► To the official aide-mémoire page (abeilles.ch)
Note: Section Bee health → 2.6 “Wax moth”.

Summary established on the basis of aide-mémoire 2.6. Last verification: 01/2026.

See also:

• Wax moth
• Aide-mémoire: 4.4.2 Frame storage
• Aide-mémoire: 4.4 Frame renewal
• Maintenance of beekeeping equipment