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Topic: Acetic Acid question

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19th November 2014 at 11:31am

AdamDarling
-- MODERATOR --
Norfolk

5736 posts - View

Yeates' revision notes states that 80% acetic acid will kill wax moth eggs and the adult moth. The book says that it has no effect on the larva and it's unknown whether it has an effect on the chrysalis.

Can anyone confirm that fumigation only has effect on the egg and moth itself?
19th November 2014 at 8:07pm

MarkB
Waveney

233 posts - View

As wax is impervious to the acetic acid fumes (stored honey is unaffected) the larval stages of wax moth are protected deep within the comb. Freezing is effective at all stages and I have just bought an old freezer from a well-known auction site in the hope that this will do a better job than last Winter's mild temperatures.
20th November 2014 at 11:12am

AdamDarling
-- MODERATOR --
Norfolk

5736 posts - View

I assume that when the larva is wriggling about, then it would be susceptable?

(And I, too will have a small freezer that I can use shortly).
3rd April 2015 at 11:30am

CDSinUK
South East Gloucestershire

814 posts - View

I expect prolonged exposure to acetic acid would kill all stages, but only if it can get to them. It is not reliable for larvae because they can be in protected locations. Freezing is therefore a better option.
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