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The researchers are using saliva from the larvae of the greater wax moth, commonly known as wax worms.

In March, German researchers revealed a bug that feasts on toxic polyurethane, while earlier work has shown that wax moth larvae – usually bred as fish bait – can eat up polythene bags.

Previous research has also shown that some fungi can break down PET plastic, while wax moth larvae – usually bred as fish bait – can eat up polythene bags.

Students will be assigned throughout the school year to monitor the hive for invasive pests like the wax moth and the varroa mite, which attacks and feeds on honey bees.

While cleaning out empty hive boxes infested with greater wax moth caterpillars, a researcher in Spain put them in a plastic grocery bag.