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). The 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 North 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 larvee are repulsive caterpillars and reach an inch or more 
in length. Fig. 103 shows the work of these insects in a little 
