Bumble bees are highly effective native pollinators, possessing unique biological advantages over other species. They are capable of “buzz pollination,” a specific vibration technique necessary to release pollen from crops like tomatoes and peppers. This efficiency has led to a commercial market for controlled pollination, particularly within enclosed environments such as greenhouses. This article explores the commercial availability of these insects, detailing the kits, regulations, and management required for successful pollination.
The Commercial Availability of Bumble Bees
Bumble bees can be purchased directly from specialized commercial insectaries and biological control suppliers. They are primarily bought to ensure reliable pollination for high-value crops, including tomatoes, peppers, strawberries, and blueberries. Their ability to work in conditions that deter honey bees—such as lower light, cooler temperatures, and enclosed structures—makes them ideal for greenhouse operations.
These commercially produced colonies are sold as disposable pollination units, intended for use over a single crop cycle. A single standard colony can effectively manage pollination needs, with recommendations ranging from 0.5 to three colonies per acre in open fields or one to three colonies per quarter acre in enclosed spaces. This market provides growers with a consistent, on-demand source of predictable pollinators.
Understanding the Commercial Bumble Bee Kit
The commercial bumble bee kit arrives as a self-contained unit, typically housed in a lightweight, insulated cardboard or plastic box. Inside this compact structure is a functioning colony, including a queen bee, worker bees, and developing brood (eggs, larvae, and pupae). The box is engineered with a controlled entrance system that allows the user to manage the flow of bees.
The colony’s initial needs are met by an internal reservoir containing a supplemental food source, usually a sugar water solution, and a pollen patty. This sustains the bees during shipping and when external forage is temporarily limited. Commercial colonies have a finite lifespan, providing effective pollination for 6 to 12 weeks, which aligns with the flowering period of many greenhouse crops. Suppliers offer various sizes, from mini-hives for small areas to larger standard hives, depending on the required pollination intensity.
Key Regulations and Species Restrictions
The commercial trade of bumble bees is subject to strict regulations focused on preventing disease spread and protecting native wild bee populations. In North America, the species most commonly available for purchase is the Common Eastern Bumble Bee, Bombus impatiens, because it is native across a wide range. Using native, commercially reared bees helps mitigate the risk of genetic contamination or competition with local wild bees.
The use of non-native species, such as Bombus terrestris, is often prohibited or severely restricted in many jurisdictions due to environmental concerns. Furthermore, transporting colonies across state or international borders frequently requires specific permits from agricultural agencies to track movement and ensure compliance. These regulations are necessary because commercially reared bees, even native ones, have been implicated in the spillover of pathogens to wild communities.
Installation and Management of the Colony
Upon arrival, the commercial hive should be placed in its final location as soon as possible, ideally within one day, to minimize colony stress. Proper placement requires a sheltered, level spot protected from direct sunlight and excessive moisture, often achieved by placing the box on a pallet or stand. Growers must also take precautions against predators like ants by creating barriers around the hive stand, such as sticky tape or grease.
Initial Deployment
After placement, the hive entrance should remain closed for 30 minutes to one hour to allow the bees to settle following transport disturbances. Once opened, the colony requires minimal daily management. Users must be vigilant about pesticide use, closing the hive entrance several hours before application to ensure foraging bees return and are protected.
End-of-Cycle Disposal
At the end of the crop cycle, or once the colony naturally declines, responsible disposal is necessary to prevent the escape of reproductive bees. This involves humanely dispatching the colony and sealing the entire box in a garbage bag for landfill disposal.