Many people wonder if moths directly threaten bees by consuming them, especially when observing them near beehives. This article clarifies the specific interactions between moths and bees, distinguishing common misconceptions from actual threats to honeybee colonies. It explores the dietary habits of various moths and details how certain moth species can impact a beehive.
Moths and Bees: Understanding Their Interaction
Adult moths generally do not prey on adult bees. The primary diet of most adult moths consists of liquids, which they consume using a specialized mouthpart called a proboscis. This allows them to feed on sources such as flower nectar, honeydew, or tree sap. Some moth species also obtain nutrients from less conventional sources like animal droppings.
Some adult moths do not possess functional mouthparts and do not feed at all in their adult stage, relying on energy reserves accumulated during their larval stage. Therefore, the idea of an adult moth actively eating an adult bee is not consistent with their typical feeding behaviors. While adult moths may be found near beehives, their presence does not indicate direct predation on the bees themselves.
Wax Moths: The Primary Concern for Hives
While adult moths do not consume bees, a significant interaction involves specific species known as wax moths. The two main species of concern are the greater wax moth (Galleria mellonella) and the lesser wax moth (Achroia grisella). It is not the adult moths that cause damage, but their larvae, often called waxworms, that threaten a beehive.
These larvae are destructive pests that tunnel through beeswax combs, consuming various hive materials. Their diet includes beeswax, pollen stored in the comb, honey residues, and silk cocoons left by developing bees. Lesser wax moth larvae also consume bee brood, including larvae and pupae.
As they burrow, wax moth larvae create silken tunnels and webbing that permeate the comb. This causes structural damage to the honeycomb, weakens frames, and can contaminate honey. Severe infestations can lead to conditions like “bald brood” or “galleriasis,” where silken threads trap emerging adult bees. Their presence can severely stress a colony, deplete its resources, and in weakened hives, lead to its eventual destruction.
Safeguarding Bee Colonies from Pests
Protecting bee colonies from pests like wax moths involves preventive measures and active management strategies. A primary defense against wax moth infestations is maintaining strong, healthy bee colonies. Robust colonies are better equipped to defend their hive, as worker bees can remove individual wax moth larvae before a widespread infestation.
Proper hive management practices also play a crucial role in preventing pest problems. Beekeepers regularly remove old, unused combs and ensure good ventilation within the hive, as wax moths thrive in neglected, poorly ventilated spaces. Controlling the temperature of stored equipment is another effective method; freezing frames for at least 48 hours can kill all stages of wax moths. Regular hive inspections allow beekeepers to detect early signs of infestation, such as webbing or damaged comb, enabling prompt intervention.