Using Wax Moth Strips for Treatment

Wax moth strips are a commonly used pest tool in both physical and chemical control methods. Beekeepers primarily use them to repel or inhibit wax moths (hive insects) from laying eggs and larvae in their hive.

Release of Natural Insect-Repelling Compounds

You will notice that these wood strips are usually made from specific types of wood (such as cedar, eucalyptus, camphor, etc.). They contain natural volatile compounds. For example:

Cedar Oil (containing cedrol and terpene compounds): It has a strong repellent effect on wax moth adults. Cedar oil disturbs their olfactory orientation and prevents them from getting close to your hive to lay eggs.

Eucalyptol (1,8-Cineole) has broad-spectrum repellent effects by inhibiting the movement and feeding of wax moth larvae.

Camphor Compounds: release a slowly evaporating odor that repels wax moth adults. They may also interfere with the nervous system of the larvae.

These components are relatively safe for your bees while working on wax moths.

Mechanism of the Physical Barrier

The physical barrier provided by the wood strips primarily refers to how their structural design (such as surface roughness and porosity) or material properties (such as hardness and density) can obstruct wax moth adults from laying eggs or prevent larvae from invading your comb.

The theoretical basis includes:

Egg-Laying Interference: Wax moth females prefer laying eggs on rough surfaces or crevices. A smooth or dense surface can reduce their ability to attach their eggs.

Larval Movement Restriction: Since the larvae need to crawl to your comb, if the surface of the wood strips makes it difficult for them to adhere or presents a physical barrier, you can delay or block their movement.

Chemical Slow-Release Technique:

These wood strips are specially treated (for example, with chlorantraniliprole). The active ingredients within the strips are slowly released into your hive, directly killing wax moth larvae or eggs upon contact.