40 BEES. 
A number of insects, birds, and mammals must be classed as ene- 
mies of bees, but of these the two wax moths, and ants, are the only 
ones of importance. There are two species of moth, the larger wax 
moth (Galleria mellonella L.,) and the lesser wax moth (Achroia grisella 
Fab.), the larve of which destroy combs by burrowing through 
them.¢ Reports are frequently received in the Department that the 
larvee of these moths (usually the larger species) are destroying colo- 
nies of bees. It may be stated positively that moths do not destroy 
strong healthy colonies in good hives, and if it is supposed that they 
are causing damage the bee keeper should carefully study his colonies 
to see what other trouble has weakened them enough for the moths 
to enter. Queenlessness, lack of stores, or some such trouble may be 
the condition favorable to the entrance of the pest, but a careful 
examination should be made of the brood to see whether there is any 
evidence of disease. This is the most frequent cause of the cases of 
moth depredation reported to this Department. Black bees are less 
capable of driving moth larvee out, but, even with these bees, strong 
colonies rarely allow them to remain. The observance of the golden 
rule of bee keeping, ‘‘ Keep all colonies strong,” will solve the moth 
question unless disease appears. 
Moth larve often destroy combs stored outside the hive. To 
prevent this the combs may be fumigated with sulphur fumes or 
bisulphid of carbon in tiers of hives or in tight rooms. If bisulphid 
of carbon is used, great care should be taken not to bring it near a 
flame, as it is highly inflammable. Combs should be stored in a dry, 
well-ventilated, light room. 
In the warmer parts of the country ants are often a serious pest. 
They may enter the hive for protection against changes of temperature, 
or to prey on the honey stores or the brood. The usual method of 
keeping them out is to put the hive on a stand, the legs of which rest 
in vessels containing water or creosote. Another method is to wrap 
a tape soaked in corrosive sublimate around the bottom board. 
GENERAL INFORMATION. 
For the purpose of answering numerous questions which are asked 
of this Department the following brief topics are included. 
BREEDERS OF QUEENS. 
There are a large number of bee keepers who make a business of 
rearing queens of good stock for sale. The queens are usually sent 
by mail. If poor stock is all that can be obtained locally, it is recom- 
mended that such colonies be purchased and the queens removed and 
aBee keepers refer to these insects as ‘‘moths,’’? ‘‘wax moths,’’ ‘“‘bee moths,” 
‘‘millers,’’ ‘‘wax worms,’’ ‘“‘honey moths, moth worms,”’ ‘‘moth millers,’’? and 
“‘orubs.’’ The last six terms are not correct. 
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