THE REMEDY 



227 



tunnelling through the combs along the midrib. The pollen 

 stored in the cells, as well as the wax of which the combs are 

 constructed, seems to furnish them with food. The tunnels are 

 lined with silk similar to that of which the cocoons are composed. 

 It is not long until the combs are but a mass of webs and refuse 

 ( Fig. 103). Thet length of this stage varies from thirty-five days 

 in the second brood to forty-five days with the first brood accord- 

 ing to the author above quoted. 



The cocoons are spun in masses under the cover, behind the 

 ends of the frames or in any other situation seeming to offer 

 protection, but usually within the hive where the larval period 

 has been spent. About two weeks are required to complete this 

 stage, after which the adult moths will appear. 



In the extreme South it is probable that breeding continues 

 throughout the year with little interruption. In the ;N'orth only 

 such individuals as are fortunate enough to select a place free 

 from extreme cold will survive. Those remaining in hives in 

 the open air in which the bees have perished will likewise die 

 before spring, as they cannot endure severe freezing. There are 

 always a few tucked away snugly in the hives near the clusters 

 of bees, which are kept sufficiently warm to insure their safety. 

 These will shortly populate a large area with their offspring 

 when warm weather comes. They are also able to pass the winter 

 in empty hives that are carried into the cellar or other place 

 where the temperature does not drop much below freezing. 



The Remedy. — The wax moth may be regarded as a symp- 

 tom that something is wrong, for a normal colony of bees will 

 usually defend themselves against this pest without difficulty. 

 Italians, however, are better able to contend with it than the 

 common strains. The blacks are especially liable to succumb 

 to an attack of moths. Usually it is the weak and queenless 

 colonies that fall victims to its ravages. 



Three adult moths may be seen on the comb in Fig. 102. 

 The larvaj are repulsive caterpillars and reach an inch or more 

 in length. Fig. 103 shows the work of these insects in a little 



