THE WAX MOTH AND ITS CONTROL 9 



After fumigation the comb-honey sections should be stored in a 

 moth-free room that is clean, well lighted, and ventilated to dis- 

 courage the wax moths, which prefer to lay their eggs on beekeeping 

 equipment in dark, poorly ventilated places. 



Honey is best protected by extracting it as soon as possible after 

 removing it from the hives, since in tin or glass containers it is safe 

 from attack by wax moths, mice, ants, or other pests, as well as from 

 contamination by fumigants or other odors. Beekeepers sometimes 

 wish to store full frames of honey, or extracting may have to be 

 delayed. In either event if there is danger of infestation by wax 

 moths, the honey should be fumigated as indicated for comb-section 

 honey. 



Paradichlorobenzene may be used for fumigating frames of honey 

 that are to be fed back to the bees, for bees do not object to a slight 

 odor of this chemical, but this fumigant should not be used to protect 

 frames of honey that are to be stored for long periods and then 

 extracted with the intention of marketing the honey, as the odor 

 is definitely objectionable to consumers. 



General Directions for Fumigation With Paradichlorobenzene, 

 Carbon Disulfide, and Calcium Cyanide 



(1) Use not more than five supers in a stack and seal the joints 

 with gummed paper tape to make the stack as nearly gastight as 

 possible. With gases heavier than air, make sure that the base of 

 the stack is tightly closed, since the gases sink to the bottom of the 

 stack and may escape. A pad of newspapers placed beneath the 

 stack will help to confine the gas. 



(2) If calcium cyanide is used, fumigate out of doors. The same 

 applies to carbon disulfide if there is the least danger of fire; at all 

 events apply the latter in a well-ventilated room. Read carefully 

 the directions for using the selected fumigant and have everything 

 ready before beginning the fumigation. 



CAUTION. — Carbon disulfide gas is highly explosive, and any 

 chance of ignition must be carefully guarded against. Carbon 

 disulfide and calcium cyanide and their gases are poisonous to 

 people and to animals, and must therefore be stored and handled 

 with extreme care. 



(3) To fumigate with paradichlorobenzene, put the crystals on 

 a piece of paper and lay it on the top bars of the top super; renew 

 them as needed. 



(4) Since paradichlorobenzene, carbon disulfide, and calcium 

 cyanide are not effective against eggs of the wax moth, subsequent 

 fumigations may be needed. If the temperature following the first 

 fumigation is about 70° F., it is well to repeat the treatment after 

 about 2 weeks. The fumigated stacks should be left sealed for 

 about 24 hours. 



(5) Following fumigation, air the combs thoroughly before using 

 them in the apiary. 



Table 1 gives an outline for reference in fumigating stored combs 

 and honey against the wax moth. 



