WAX-VET – Wax moth frame protector for storage

End of season. The last honey is out, frames get stacked in the shed, and you already know what can happen over the next months: wax moth. Larvae of Galleria mellonella can turn a perfectly drawn comb into tunnels and webbing surprisingly fast. And when humidity joins the party, mould becomes a second headache, especially on frames with pollen residues or honeydew.

WAX-VET is designed to protect comb frames during storage using a formula based on plant extracts and fermentation-derived compounds. It combines a spray-dried fermented group of Bacillus spp. (no live bacteria) with a standardised nettle extract (Urtica dioica).

How it works: the product contains a mixture of metabolites and peptides produced during controlled fermentation. According to the manufacturer, once wax moth larvae hatch and come into contact with treated combs, these substances cause larval death within a few hours. Tests referenced by the manufacturer at the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine in Warsaw reported complete larval mortality both with direct contact and after transferring larvae onto protected combs. It’s not just a deterrent: it acts by killing larvae upon contact.

Nettle extract contributes natural compounds (such as flavonoids, phenolic acids, tannins and lectins) that support the bioinsecticidal effect. For mould, many beekeepers report lower risk during storage; the manufacturer currently supports this with field observations, while detailed studies by fungal species and reduction percentages are still in progress.

Practical advantage: in spring you can put treated frames straight back into the hive once they are dry. According to the manufacturer, bees naturally clean any residue, there is no impact on honey smell or taste, and no rinsing or withdrawal period is needed.

Important note: WAX-VET acts on larvae that hatch and make contact with the product, not on eggs. If stored frames already had eggs, the treatment will eliminate larvae as they emerge. Effective protection is indicated at 6 to 8 months under normal storage conditions.

Application: dissolve 100 g in 1 litre of non-chlorinated water (essential: chlorine may deactivate active substances and reduce efficacy). Spray both sides of frames as a fine mist, then let them dry in a well-ventilated area before stacking or boxing. Typical yield is about 60 Langstroth frames or 40 Dadant frames per litre of prepared solution (depends on droplet size). Use a hand sprayer or a fogger as long as it produces fine particles.

Safety: wear protective clothing when preparing the solution. If it contacts skin or eyes, rinse with clean water for at least 15 minutes. For application, the manufacturer indicates a surgical mask is sufficient.

Technical data: prepared solution pH: neutral. Store the powder in a cool, dry, dark place. Shelf life: 2 years from the manufacturing date. Available packs: 200 g and 500 g.