Studies on the Biological Control of the Greater Wax Moth, Galleria Mellonella II. Impregnation of Comb Foundation with Thuricide-HP as a Method of Control

SummaryThuricide-HP at low concentration (38 × 108 viable spores/g wax comb) was found to protect comb foundation against wax moth. Bacillus thuringiensis was easily impregnated in a viable condition in the wax foundation, where it remained viable for 18 months. It protected the combs against attack by Galleria mellonella larvae without any observed ill effects on honeybees. The spore content of honey from the combs was very low, and it is considered most unlikely that it could be in any way harmful to humans.