Hey beekeepers! I've been immersed in beekeeping for most of my life, growing from just two hives to managing over 30,000. One of the constant challenges we face is protecting our honeycombs from wax moths, especially once we've harvested our honey. Today, I want to share a natural, effective solution: Certan.

Wax moth infestations can ruin stored honeycombs, and typically, we turn to chemical treatments like paradichlorobenzene crystals. But now, there's an all-natural alternative that’s just as effective—Certan. In this guide, I’ll walk you through how to use Certan to keep those pesky moths at bay without harming your bees or leaving any chemical residues.

What is Certan?

Certan is an all-natural product that controls wax moth infestations in stored honeycombs. It’s re-emerged as a fantastic alternative to traditional wax moth crystals, which can have a strong odor and make your beekeeping equipment less appealing to bees unless adequately aired.

Unlike those chemical-based treatments, Certan is composed of natural ingredients that are harmless to honeybees. This means no residue is left behind on the combs, ensuring the safety of your colonies. This is a major advancement for beekeepers prioritizing sustainable and environmentally friendly practices.

Certan's efficacy isn't compromised by its natural composition. It offers nearly 100% effectiveness in preventing wax moth infestations, providing peace of mind and robust protection for your stored honeycombs. Embracing Certan means adopting a method that aligns with both the health of your bees and our planet.

Preparing Certan Solution

Using Certan to protect your honeycombs starts with preparing the solution, which is an easy process. Here's how you can get started:

1. Mixing Ratio: Certan needs to be mixed in 1 part Certan to 19 parts water. This balance is crucial for the solution to work effectively.

2. Quantity to Prepare: One 5-ounce bottle of Certan, when mixed correctly, is sufficient to treat about 10 to 15 honey supers. Be sure only to mix what you can use in a day as the solution loses its efficacy if stored for long periods once mixed with water.

To mix Certan:

• Take 1 part Certan (for example, 1 ounce).

• Add it to 19 parts of water (for example, 19 ounces of water).

• Mix thoroughly to ensure the Certan is evenly distributed throughout the water.

This simple preparation step ensures you have the right concentration for treating your honeycombs effectively.

Applying Certan Solution

Once your Certan solution is prepared, it's time to apply it to your honeycomb frames. Proper application is key to maximizing its protective benefits.

1. Preparation: Pour the mixed solution into a pump-up sprayer. This type of sprayer helps distribute the solution evenly across the comb surfaces.

2. Spraying Technique: Your goal is to lightly coat each side of the comb with the solution. Here’s how:

• Avoid Over-Soaking: Lightly mist the combs. You are aiming for an even coating, not to soak the combs.

• Amount per Frame: Approximately one ounce of the mixture should be enough for each frame. This ensures all parts of the comb are treated without being drenched.

3. Application Steps:

• Start Spraying: Begin at one end of the frame and work across, ensuring each side gets an even misting.

• Even Coverage: Check visually to confirm that the comb looks well-coated but not waterlogged.

Properly applying the Certan solution ensures that every part of the comb is protected from wax moths, setting your equipment up for safe and effective storage.

Ensuring Effectiveness

The Certan solution has a near 100% success rate in preventing wax moth infestations, provided it's applied correctly. Here are crucial steps to ensure its effectiveness:

1. Complete Coverage: Make sure all comb sides of each frame are evenly coated. Missing spots can leave parts of your comb vulnerable.

2. Drying the Frames: After spraying, the frames must be allowed to dry completely. This step is essential for preventing mold growth and ensuring the solution works as intended.

To dry your frames:

• Drying Location: Choose a shaded, breezy area. Direct sunlight or enclosed spaces are not ideal.

• Duration: Typically, letting the frames sit for about a day is sufficient for them to dry out completely.

• Set-Up: Arrange the frames so that air can freely circulate around them. Setting the box on its end can help ensure all frames dry evenly.

Moisture from the Certan solution will evaporate, leaving behind a natural residue that wax moths find inhospitable.

Storing Treated Honeycomb Frames

Once your frames are completely dry, it's time to store them safely to avoid any future wax moth infestation.

1. Storage Options:

• Trash Bags: Sealing the dry frames in heavy-duty trash bags is a simple and effective method.

• Sheds or Garages: Storing the frames in a well-ventilated shed or garage can also work, provided the space is relatively dry and protected from direct sunlight.

2. Avoiding Moisture: The key to successful storage is ensuring that the frames remain dry. Moisture attracts pests and can lead to mold growth, negating the protective benefits of Certan.

3. Space Management: If you have multiple combs to store, stack them carefully to promote continued airflow. This helps maintain a dry environment and reduces the risk of damage.

Storing your treated honeycombs properly not only preserves the efficacy of Certan but also keeps your equipment in prime condition for the next beekeeping season.

Section 6: Environmental and Safety Benefits

One of the standout features of Certan is its environmental friendliness and safety for your bees. Unlike traditional chemical treatments, Certan offers several key benefits:

1. No Harmful Residues: Certan leaves no toxic residues on the combs, ensuring that your honey and wax remain pure and safe for your bees and for consumption.

2. Bee Safety: Since Certan is made from natural ingredients, it poses no harm to your bees. This is especially important for maintaining healthy colonies and promoting sustainable beekeeping practices.

3. Eco-Friendly: Certan aligns with environmentally conscious practices, offering an effective way to control wax moths without compromising ecological integrity.

By choosing Certan, you’re not only protecting your beekeeping equipment but also contributing to a healthier environment, which benefits both your bees and the broader ecosystem.

Limitations and Best Practices with Certan Wax Moth Control

While Certan is highly effective, there are a few limitations and best practices to keep in mind to maximize its benefits:

1. Use the Solution Within a Day: Once mixed with water, the Certan solution needs to be used within the same day. It does not store well after being mixed and can lose its efficacy.

2. Application Area: Choose a well-ventilated area for both application and drying of the frames. This helps in effective drying and prevents mold growth.

3. Maintain Clean Equipment: Regularly clean your sprayer and other equipment used in the application process to ensure they remain functional and free from residues that could affect future applications.

By following these best practices, you can make the most out of Certan’s protective properties and keep your honeycombs safe from wax moths without any hassles.

Conclusion - Certan Wax Moth Control

Using Certan to protect your stored honeycombs is a game-changer for beekeepers who want an all-natural solution to the wax moth problem. Unlike chemical treatments, Certan offers a safe, effective, and environmentally friendly way to keep wax moths at bay, ensuring the purity and safety of your honey and wax products.

To recap:

• Certan is easy to prepare and apply, using a simple mixture of 1 part Certan to 19 parts water.

• Application with a pump-up sprayer ensures even coating without soaking the combs.

• Drying the frames completely is crucial to prevent mold and maximize the solution's effectiveness.

• Proper Storage keeps the combs in excellent condition, ready for use in the next beekeeping season.

• Environmental Benefits highlight its safety for bees and sustainability, making Certan an excellent choice for conscientious beekeepers.

I highly encourage you to give Certan a try. It's a straightforward method that can significantly enhance your beekeeping operations by safeguarding your combs naturally and efficiently.

Thank you for reading, and happy beekeeping!