Honey Bee Parasites, Pests, Predators and Diseases

Wax Moth (Galleria melonella),
larval wax moths on damaged combs

Larvae of the greater wax moth, Galleria melonella, cause considerable damage to beeswax combs left unattended by bees. Beeswax combs in weak or dead colonies and those placed in storage are subject to attack. Wax moths pose a continuous threat except when temperatures drop below 40 degrees F.