wax moths....should you expect to see some all of the time????

[joker1656]

I was switching some things around, and pulled a full frame from a hive to move it to another box.  It had honey, and brood in it.  As I moved it to the other box, I saw two wax worms squirm out and fall.  The hive is strong.  I was surprised to see wax worms. 

Should I expect to see some worms all of the time?  If so, how many should I see before I get concerned?  One hive had about three cocoons on a frame, but it was a weak hive.  I combined it with a strong one.  The strong one was the one where I was surprised to see them.

Thanks! 

[David Stokely]

I have not seen any in my 2 hives this time round in having hives.  Years ago when I had bees, I had what I thought were strong hives and yet I  did occasionally see them in the burr comb the bees would build around the opening of the inner cover, but I have never seen them actually on the frames of the hive.

[indypartridge]

The strong one was the one where I was surprised to see them.

I'd be surprised, too. They are quick to infest a weak hive, but I don't think I've seen them in a strong hive. I'd probably inspect a bit more often to keep an eye on things.

[sc-bee]

>Should I expect to see some worms all of the time?

Negative. Usually a sign of something else going wrong. Have you perhaps transfered comb from a weaker hive to a stronger one and the eggs were already in the weaker hive???

[Robo]

All depends on where they were.  If they where in an isolated area where the bees could not get access to them (between split bottom bars, etc.), it is one thing, but if they where in the main comb then I would suspect you have issues.  If you use SBB your chances of seeing wax moths are higher since they can live under the screen without the bees bothering them and have all their food needs "fall from the sky".

How big where they?  Are you sure they were wax moth and not SHB?

[Joelel]

I was switching some things around, and pulled a full frame from a hive to move it to another box.  It had honey, and brood in it.  As I moved it to the other box, I saw two wax worms squirm out and fall.  The hive is strong.  I was surprised to see wax worms. 

Should I expect to see some worms all of the time? NO If so, how many should I see before I get concerned? ONE One hive had about three cocoons on a frame, but it was a weak hive.  I combined it with a strong one.  The strong one was the one where I was surprised to see them.

Thanks! 

[joker1656]

Thanks for all of your responses.  The worms were about this long I.........I .  Not a very accurate measurement.  They were squirming and flopped out of the frame onto the ground.  I did could not find them afterwards.  I do not think they were SHB.  They aren't, supposedly, real common currently. 

I will inspect this hive more thoroughly ASAP. 

[Scadsobees]

I agree with Robo...

But I think there are usually a few in all hives, there are enough nooks and crannies for them to hang out in.

I have SBB and on most of my hives I can usually find little bits of caterillar dooty, even though I never see them in the hives.

Rick

[sc-bee]

Based on your estimate I.........I not shb  ;)! Shb more like I..I :-D.