Braula fly

Summary

Braula fly is a wingless fly and minor pest of beekeeping with potential impacts on beekeepers specialising in honeycomb production

• Braula fly is endemic to New South Wales, Tasmania and Victoria.
• Braula larvae burrow under honeycomb cappings, potentially reducing commercial value.
• To control the larval stage, honeycomb should be stored in a freezer as soon as practical after its removal from a colony, for at least 48 hours.
• Freezing honeycomb and honey supers kills all stages of the braula fly life cycle.