B401 Certan for wax moth

B 401 Certan – Natural Protection of Drawn Comb Against Greater Wax Moth (120 ml)

Drawn comb is among the most valuable assets of every beekeeper. It is no wonder it is often referred to as the "gold of the apiary." Bees consume approximately 4 to 5 kg of honey and a great deal of energy to produce 1 kg of virgin beeswax. However, after honey extraction, stored combs can be threatened by the greater wax moth (Galleria mellonella), whose larvae can damage a large number of frames in a short period of time.

The biological preparation B 401, also known as B401-CERTAN solution, is designed for preventive protection of drawn comb against larvae of the greater wax moth. It helps protect stored combs until the next nectar flow season, reduces losses of drawn comb, and lowers the time and costs needed to replace damaged combs.

Key Benefits for Beekeepers

B 401 represents a biological alternative to sulphur fumigation and the use of chemical agents for protecting stored combs. When applied according to the instructions, it leaves no residues in beeswax or honey and is also suitable for beekeepers who are mindful of the purity of future bee products.

Unlike sulphur fumigation, which must be repeated during storage, B 401 is applied as a single treatment after honey extraction. Treated combs can be protected for up to 12 months. The preparation is intended primarily for frames stored in supers, but it can also be used for preventive treatment of empty hives, swarm boxes, or bee feeders with wax residues.

How B 401 Works Against the Greater Wax Moth

The active ingredient of the concentrate consists of spores of the naturally occurring bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. aizawai, which is approved for use in agricultural production in the EU. The bacterium produces protein crystals that are effective against young larvae of the greater wax moth.

After ingestion of treated wax, the active substance is activated in the larva's digestive system, disrupts its vital functions, and causes subsequent death. The preparation has no effect on adult moths, as they do not consume wax as food. When used in accordance with the instructions, B 401 is safe for humans, vertebrates, adult bees, and bee brood.

Important: B 401 is intended for preventive protection of healthy drawn comb. Always apply the preparation before combs become infested with wax moth.

Preparation and Application

1. Shaking the concentrate: Before use, shake the B 401 bottle thoroughly to ensure the biological component is evenly dispersed throughout the contents of the package.

2. Diluting the working solution: Dilute the concentrate with clean drinking water at a ratio of 1:19, i.e., 1 part preparation to 19 parts water. This produces a 5% working solution. For example, add 190 ml of water to 10 ml of concentrate. Prepare only the amount of solution that you will use on the same day. The diluted preparation is not intended for further storage.

3. Treating the combs: Pour the working solution into a clean hand-held or backpack sprayer. Treat each comb evenly on both sides over the entire surface. For maximum effectiveness, apply approximately 1.5 ml of diluted solution per 10 × 10 cm area, i.e., per 100 cm² of comb.

4. Drying the combs: After application, allow the treated combs to dry thoroughly in a well-ventilated area. Do not place damp combs into closed supers or storage spaces. Insufficiently dried comb may develop mould and become spoiled.

Coverage of the 120 ml Package

Before preparing the working solution, you can easily calculate the required amount of preparation based on the number of frames to be treated. One 120 ml package is sufficient for approximately:

• Frame size 39 × 24: 100 to 120 frames
• Langstroth: 70 to 100 frames
• Dadant: 50 to 70 frames

Storage and Shelf Life

Store the B 401 concentrate in a dark place at a constant temperature between 5 °C and 20 °C. Ideally, keep it in a cool environment at temperatures up to 12 °C. In an unopened and properly sealed original container, the preparation retains its effectiveness for several years, with a minimum shelf life of 3 years from the date of manufacture. You can therefore purchase the preparation well in advance for future beekeeping seasons.

Product Technical Specifications