Using some materials for controlling wax moth Galleria mellonella (Galleriidae: Lepidoptera) and its residues in honeybee wax

Abstract

This research aims to evaluate and compare the insecticidal efficacy of three distinct alternative treatments: baradix, Bacillus  thuringiensis (B.T.), and clove oil against the larvae of wax moth Galleria mellonella (L.) (Galleriidae: Lepidoptera). The efficacy of baradix (96.1%) was significantly higher than both clove oil and B.T. The efficacy of clove oil (60.48%) was also significantly higher than that of B.T. (53.46%). Based on this data, baradix is the superior treatment for controlling this pest under the study's conditions. Clove oil presents a viable, moderately effective alternative, while B.T. is the least potent option among the tested substances. The detected Diphenylamine (DPA) and Chlorpyrifos (CPF) residues are highly significant because wax acts as a longterm, lipophilic reservoir. DPA likely entered as a beekeeping contaminant (Wax moth treatment), while CPF is a toxic environmental contaminant (agricultural drift). Their persistence
poses a direct, chronic hazard to bee brood, causing impaired development and contributing to colony decline.