Ben Carter
The term candle fly refers to the adult wax moth, which was given this name during the time when candles were primarily made of beeswax. The most common species of wax moth is Galleria mellonella, also known as the greater wax moth. These moths are attracted to light and are frequently seen hovering near lights on the exterior of buildings. While they typically invade homes infrequently, their intrusion is usually due to a change in weather. To prevent candle flies from entering your home, you can use repellents such as citronella plants or candles, rosemary, or peppermint.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Other names | Wax moth, candle moth, lightning bug, candle bug, June bug, European corn borer |
| Description | Small flying insects that are attracted to lights at night |
| Colour | Grey to brown |
| Wingspan | 3/4" to 2 1/2" |
| Behaviour | Nocturnal, but some species are diurnal |
| Diet | Plant foliage, dead leaves, grasses, lichens, and fungi |
| Larvae diet | Wax |
| Infestation prevention | Chemical fumigation, freezing |
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What You'll Learn
Candle flies are adult wax moths
Candle flies, also known as wax moths, were given this name because they are attracted to light and frequently hover near lit candles. The name 'candle fly' was used when candles were primarily made of beeswax.
There are several species of wax moths, with the most common being Galleria Mellonella, or the greater wax moth. These moths are responsible for a lot of economic damage to bee colonies worldwide. The adult female moths are brown and do not cause any damage. However, after mating, the female lays several hundred eggs, which hatch into wax-eating larvae. These larvae bore into the comb, creating silken galleries or tunnels, which give the greater wax moth its name.
The larvae cannot survive on beeswax alone but thrive on brood combs, which are full of impurities in the form of cast larval skins, providing a balanced diet. Infestations in wax foundations are usually light, but those in dark brood combs can quickly result in a mass of webbing and cocoons, protecting the developing wax moth larvae and pupae. Chemical fumigation has traditionally been used to prevent infestations, but there are now restrictions on the use of pesticides, limiting the options for beekeepers.
Candle moths, or candle flies, are generally nocturnal, but some species are diurnal. They have a wide variation in appearance, with most being grey to brown in colour and having lines or spots on their wings. Some species are brightly coloured. They can range in size, but most have a wingspan of 3/4" to 2 1/2". When at rest, the adults of most species hold their wings above their bodies.
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They were called candle flies when candles were made of beeswax
The term "candle fly" refers to the adult wax moth, which was called this when candles were made primarily of beeswax. There are several species of wax moth, but the most significant is the greater wax moth, or Galleria Mellonella, which is responsible for a lot of economic damage to bee colonies worldwide.
The female wax moth is brown and harmless. However, after mating, she lays hundreds of eggs, which hatch into wax-eating larvae. These larvae bore into the comb, creating silken tunnels or galleries, from which the species Galleria gets its name. While the larvae cannot survive on beeswax alone, they thrive on brood combs, which are full of impurities in the form of cast larval skins, providing a balanced diet. Thus, infestations in wax foundations are usually light, but those in dark brood combs can quickly result in a mass of webbing and cocoons, which protect the developing wax moth larvae and pupae.
The candle moth is a general term for moths belonging to the family Noctuidae, which is the largest family in the Order Lepidoptera, with around 3,000 species found in North America. They vary in appearance and behaviour, but most are grey to brown in colour, with lines or spots on their wings. They can be small, medium, or large, but most species are medium-sized, with wingspans of 3/4" to 2 1/2". When at rest, the adults of most species hold their wings above their bodies.
Candle moths are strongly attracted to light and are frequently seen near lights on the exterior of buildings. They are typically nocturnal, although some species are diurnal. The term "candle fly" is appropriate, as these moths were often seen flying around candles, attracted to the light, and were a common sight in the days before electric lighting.
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Wax moths are responsible for economic damage to bee colonies worldwide
Wax moths, also known as candle flies, are a serious threat to bee colonies worldwide. The two primary species of wax moths that can infest a European honey bee hive are the greater wax moth (*Galleria mellonella*) and the lesser wax moth (*Achroia grisella*). Both species eat beeswax, pollen, larval silks, and honey bee debris and can cause significant damage in both active hives and stored equipment.
The female wax moth can lay between 300 and 600 eggs in clusters on combs or in small cracks in hive material. The eggs are almost spherical, pinkish to white, and about 0.5 mm in diameter. They hatch within 3 to 5 days when temperatures range from 29°C to 35°C. Newly hatched larvae may move to neighbouring honey bee colonies, and they are very active in warm weather. They tunnel and chew through combs, particularly those that have contained brood and pollen. As they tunnel through the comb, they line these tunnels with a silken web, leaving behind galleries or tunnels.
Wax moth larvae can quickly destroy stored beeswax combs, and healthy, populous honey bee colonies do not tolerate them in the hive. However, weak colonies with low numbers of adult bees due to starvation, queenlessness, excessive swarming, disease, pesticide poisoning, or neglect cannot effectively guard their hives against wax moth infestation. At first, combs left unattended by bees are attacked, but as the colony weakens further, even combs with bees may be damaged. In many cases, wax moths are spread among colonies through unmonitored honeycomb storage. The moths will typically prefer infesting stored combs that are not actively populated by bees, and when keepers transport these combs between colonies, they can accidentally spread larvae to other hives.
To prevent and control wax moth infestations, beekeepers must maintain strong, healthy colonies with large honey bee populations. Bees that have been bred for hygienic behaviour are better at removing debris that creates a friendlier environment for the moth. A high bee-to-comb ratio is recommended for effective wax moth control. Chemical fumigation has traditionally been used to keep wax moths from infesting stored combs, but chemical control should be a last resort as there are many safer options to choose from.
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Candle flies are nocturnal and strongly attracted to light
Candle flies, also known as wax moths, are strongly attracted to light. This behaviour has earned them their name, as they are often seen flying towards candles, as well as other light sources.
The term "candle fly" was historically used to refer to the adult wax moth when candles were primarily made of beeswax. Today, candle flies continue to be drawn to light sources, including candles, and are considered pests by some.
Candle flies are nocturnal insects, belonging to the family Noctuidae. They are most active at night and are attracted to lights on the exterior of structures. This behaviour may lead them to invade homes or businesses, although this is infrequent and typically due to changes in weather.
The attraction to light exhibited by candle flies is a common trait among nocturnal insects. This behaviour can be observed in various flying insects, including moths and June bugs, which are also referred to as candle bugs or candle flies.
The strong attraction to light displayed by candle flies and other nocturnal insects has been a source of curiosity and frustration for humans, leading to the development of various pest control methods and fly repellent strategies.
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They can be prevented by chemical fumigation
The term "candle fly" refers to the adult wax moth, which was given this name because candles were historically made primarily of beeswax. The most common candle fly is the Galleria Mellonella, or greater wax moth, which is responsible for a lot of economic harm to bee colonies worldwide.
Chemical fumigation has been the traditional method of preventing candle flies from infesting stored combs. The following chemicals have been used to fumigate empty supers: ethylene dibromide (EDB), paradichlorobenzene (PDB), aluminum phosphide, and carbon dioxide (CO2). However, EDB is no longer used as it no longer has a label, and only CO2 can be used on comb containing honey, although it is dangerous, costly, and difficult to handle. Due to restrictions on pesticide use, there are fewer options for chemical fumigation.
Freezing is another option for preventing candle fly infestations. Freezing comb honey at five degrees Fahrenheit for 24 hours will kill all stages of the wax moth. Some beekeepers use cold rooms to store empty supers.
Citronella candles can also be used to prevent candle flies from invading your space.
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Frequently asked questions
A candle fly is an adult wax moth. The name comes from when candles were made primarily of beeswax.
Candle flies are moths that are strongly attracted to light and flame. They are called candle flies because they frequently fly into candles and burn themselves.
Candle flies are typically grey to brown in colour and have lines or spots on their wings. They can range from small to large in size, but most species are medium-sized with wingspans of 3/4" to 2 1/2".
Candle flies are typically nocturnal, though some species are diurnal. They are often seen hovering in large groups or bunches outdoors in the summer.
To keep candle flies away, you can use repellents such as citronella plants or candles, rosemary, lavender, eucalyptus, or peppermint. Keeping your home and garbage cans clean and free of decaying matter can also help prevent candle flies.
