Wax moths and the beekeeping industry in New Zealand: A thesis submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements of the National Diploma in Agriculture of the Royal New Zealand Institute of Horticulture Incorporated

Abstract

Greater wax moth, Galleria mellonella (Lepidoptera, Galleriidae), and lesser wax moth, Achroia grisella (Lepidoptera, Pyralidae), are both considered to be pests to the beekeeping industry of many countries, including New Zealand, as they infest various apiary appliances and products. Such literature as does exist concerning the economic status of wax moths overseas and in New Zealand is reviewed. The introduction of both species to New Zealand is documented. All known managerial, physical, chemical and biological control measures employed against wax moths are discussed. A common wax moth control practice in New Zealand is the fumigation of apiary appliances and comb honey with methyl bromide gas under polythene sheets. This technique may, however, become limited in its application because of problems with supply of gas, operator toxicity and bromine residues in wax and honey.