Bumble bee hives are used worldwide in greenhouse horticulture for effective pollination of crops. Bumble bees mainly feed on the pollen of flowers in the crop. Royal Brinkman offers a wide range of AgroBio bumblebee hives.

Bumble bee hives, typically containing 80 to 100 bees and a queen, are crucial for pollinating vined crops like tomatoes and aubergines. Without proper pollination, these plants won't produce high-quality fruits. Growers worldwide use bumblebee hives to ensure effective pollination, leading to larger, quicker-ripening fruits and shorter harvesting periods. Bumble bees transfer pollen from the stamens to the pistils of flowers. These hives, containing worker bees that collect pollen, are essential in horticulture for crops such as tomatoes, courgettes, peppers, and aubergines, as well as strawberries and melons. Royal Brinkman offers bumble bee hives from AgroBio, which specializes in producing bumblebees and natural enemies. For more information, read the article ''How does pollination in greenhouses with bumblebees work?''. 

For optimum bumblebee performance, proper hive placement is essential:

• Positioning: Place hives away from direct sunlight and moisture, between crops on the path. Ensure they are in visible areas with good contrast to their surroundings.
• Setup: Alternate the orientation of entrance holes for multiple hives and set up within 18 hours of receipt.
• Protective Clothing: Wear protective clothing, such as a beekeeper's hat and jacket, to avoid stings.
• Placement Details: Spread hives throughout the area, stacking a maximum of three high. Keep hives horizontal to prevent sugar water spillage and protect them from condensation and rainwater.
• Special Considerations: Close hives a few hours before sunset for illuminated crops. Add hives at the back for paths longer than 120 meters.

For more tips how to use bumble bees, read our article about usage of bumble bee hives.

When using bumblebees, you are working with a living product, which requires a unique approach. Ensuring quality before use is crucial. Follow the instructions provided and store the product correctly. Protect yourself when releasing bumblebees. Here are some key tips for using bumblebees effectively:

• Always use materials from a reputable producer or distributor who guarantees quality. Inspect the quality yourself before release. 
• Report any deviations or issues within 24 hours to ensure a prompt response.
• Check for activity: when opening the box (at room temperature), good quality bumblebees will be active.
• Ensure a queen is present (often hidden under the cotton).
• Verify that approximately 70 workers are present.
• Ensure no more than 3 dead bumblebees are visible.

For more detailed information, read the bumblebee quality control protocol article.

Do you want to buy a bumble bee hive? Then you have come to the right place at Royal Brinkman. Always consider the type of hive, indoor or outdoor, and the specific crop. Because each crop has different needs, there are different types of hives for each crop. There are also hives for different types of glasshouses. In this case the hive is the same, but the material of the hive is different. Do you have any questions about bumblebee pollination or would you like tailored advice? Contact one of our crop protection specialists. You can also order the AgroBío bumblebee colonies you need quickly and easily at royalbrinkman.com!