Valent BioSciences partners with Vita Bee Health to develop new biological wax moth control that safeguards health of honeybees

Two global leaders are expanding their longtime collaborative partnership by launching a new biological wax moth control product that helps safeguard the health of honeybees. Valent BioSciences LLC, the worldwide leader in the development, manufacturing, and commercialization of biorational products, and Vita Bee Health, the world’s largest dedicated supplier of honeybee health products, have joined together to develop B402 (also known as Certan), an advanced and effective solution that protects honeycombs from wax-eating caterpillars.

The new product utilizes a concentrated solution of Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt), a bacterium commonly found in nature that selectively kills wax moths at the larval stage. These moths, which can destroy honeybee wax combs and even the structure of hives, cause widespread damage and even colony losses for beekeepers. B402 offers efficacy of up to 100 percent against wax moth larvae.

“Bt is a commonly used biological control for many agricultural pests,” said Dr. Max Watkins, CEO of Vita Bee Health. “Together with Valent Biosciences, we faced the challenge of finding a strain that selectively targets wax moths. We sought to improve on B401, an earlier bee-safe product. Our synergistic relationship with Valent Biosciences, combined with the company’s quality control and product consistency, enabled us to work together successfully to locate a strain and formulation of Bt that demonstrates specific control of both greater and lesser wax moths (Galleria mellonella and Achroia grisella), while being harmless to bees under this use. Valent BioSciences continues to be extremely supportive in helping us innovate for the benefit of beekeepers.”

Regina Rieckenberg, Vice President of Global Marketing and Business Management for Valent BioSciences, said, “We have worked closely with Vita Bee Health for years and, as a result, have developed valuable knowledge and insights about the honeybee industry. With our extensive expertise in biological products, we were able to team with Vita Bee Health to create this innovative new formulation offering a variety of unmatched benefits.”

Recently approved for use with honeybee colonies by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), B402 is safe to use and harmless to beneficial insects and pollinators. It leaves no chemical residues in wax or honey, and only a single application is necessary to provide complete protection.