Para-Moth 1 lb
Paradichlorobenzene (PDCB) crystals for treating stored comb against wax moth — applied to stacked supers in the off-season.
- Paradichlorobenzene (PDCB) crystals
- Standard wax moth treatment for stored comb
- Sprinkled between stacked supers in storage
- For STORED comb only — never on supers with bees
- Air supers 24-48 hours before returning to colonies
What it is
Paradichlorobenzene (PDCB) crystals — the standard treatment for protecting stored drawn comb from wax moth damage during the off-season. Wax moth larvae destroy stored comb if comb is not protected; a stack of supers full of drawn comb is a wax moth feast without preventive treatment.
How to use it
Stack the supers to be stored on a flat surface. Place a sheet of newspaper between every few supers, sprinkle the recommended dose of PDCB crystals on the paper, and continue stacking. Cover the top with another sheet and close. The crystals slowly volatilize and the vapors deter wax moth activity. Refresh the crystals as they evaporate.
Critical: not for use with bees present
PDCB is for stored comb only — never on supers with bees in residence. Before returning the comb to a colony in spring, air the supers outdoors for at least 24-48 hours to dissipate residual vapor. Honey supers used for human-consumption honey should be aired even longer; some beekeepers prefer to use freezer treatment or naphthalene-free alternatives for honey supers entirely to avoid any residue concerns.
Notes
Do not use moth balls (naphthalene) — they are not approved for beekeeping use and contaminate beeswax. PDCB is the only legally approved chemical wax moth control for stored comb in the US. An alternative for small operations is freezing the comb (2-3 days at 0°F) followed by sealed storage.
