1424 Department of Agkicultuee 



enemies of bees 



The Wax Moth 



In reality, this is more an enemy of the beekeeper than of the 

 bees, since by keeping all colonies strong, especially if they be of 

 of the Italian race, bnt little damage can be done them by this 

 pest. The tronble comes, however, by the moths hatching in the 

 combs when unprotected by bees, and in hot weather they mul- 

 tiply very rapidly. The apiarist who has a stock of combs on 

 hand, probably stored away where he considers them perfectly 

 safe, had better watch them closely. If these combs have been 

 exposed to a freezing temperature for some time and moths or 

 bees have not had access to them since, the probability is that 

 they will remain free as long as thus protected. 



After moths have commenced hatching in combs they may be 

 destroyed by fumigating with sulphur, by piling hives containing 

 them in a small room and filling the room with the fumes. The 

 hives should be set upon something to keep them above the floor, 

 and at least partially opened below the bottom. 



When these empty combs are not too numerous they may be 

 protected by hanging them up in the open and placing them an 

 inch or two apart. 



There is much value in a stock of good empty worker combs, 

 but they should be utilized as soon as practicable, as they are 

 never safer than when covered with bees. 



The above refers to the greater wax moth, the larva of which 

 is often an inch in length and easily recognized. 



There is also another variety that frequently infests the combs 

 of the honey bee; namely, the lesser wax moth. However, the 

 ravages of this variety are seldom very serious, and may be 

 treated in the same manner. 



Rats and Mice 

 Wliere these vermin have access to bees, honey or combs, they 

 cause serious havoc, and a vigorous warfare should be maintained 

 against them. They are a perfect nuisance, and frequently cause 

 60 much disturbance to bees in winter repositories that they cause 

 a greater consumption of honey by the bees, and in general inter- 

 fere with their successful wintering. There is little excuse for 

 their presence, since by proper effort they may be eradicated. 



