Pests of Honey Bees
Damaged combs showing silken galleries
Picture 7 of 15
Wax moth larvae damage or destroy the combs by chewing through the beeswax cells as they feed on cocoons, cast skins, and pollen. They spin silken galleries for protection from bees that will remove the wax moth larvae if they get the chance. Beeswax combs are often reduced to a mass of webs and debris. Wax moth larvae seldom attack new beeswax combs or foundation and they will not feed on blocks of pure beeswax or candles or such items made from beeswax.
![American foulbrood (pupal tongue)](http://agdev.anr.udel.edu/maarec/wp-content/gallery/diseases-of-honey-bees/71.gif "If death occurs during the pupal stage, pupae undergo the same changes in color and consistency as larvae. In addition, the pupal \\"tongue\\" from the dead remains of the pupa usually sticks to the top wall of the cell. The presence of this pupal tongue is one of the most characteristic symptoms of American foulbrood.")
![American foulbrood (testing for AFB)](http://agdev.anr.udel.edu/maarec/wp-content/gallery/diseases-of-honey-bees/73.gif "During the early stages of decay, up until about three weeks after death, the dead larvae have a glue-like consistency. To test for the disease, choose a larva that is discolored and exhibits a melted-down appearance. Insert a match, twig or toothpick into the cell, stir the remains of the dead larva and then slowly withdraw the test stick. If a portion of the decaying larva clings to the twig and can be drawn out about an inch or more while adhering to the dead mass, its death was probably due to AFB. This \\"ropiness\\" of freshly-dead larvae is a characteristic symptom of AFB.
Positive confirmation of AFB can be obtained by removing several dead larvae and smearing it on to a small piece of tin foil. The foil should be folded to contain the material, placed in a plastic zip lock bag and sent to the Beltsville Bee Lab for analysis.")
