Natupol Excel - Class A Hive

Description: Bombus impatiens (commercially reared bumblebee) colony with queen, workers, and brood (pupae, eggs, and larvae), and a bag with sugar solution. 

Natupol/Bombus impatiens must be released inside a fully enclosed greenhouse larger than 1,000 ft². 

Best used: on crops with a high amount of flowers per m², crops grown under artificial light and in warmer climates, like tomatoes, strawberries, and peppers. 

Works by: worker bumblebees start pollinating the flowers while at the same time collecting pollen to feed the brood. More workers emerge from the brood in the weeks after the introduction, increasing both colony size and pollination performance. After some weeks, the colony will reach its maximum size and starts declining in size and pollination activity. Colony development depends on environmental conditions and the amount and quality of pollen.

Class A Hive - WEST ONLY: BC, AB, MB, and SK

Class A Hive - EAST ONLY: ON, QC, NS, NB, NL, and PEI

SUGGESTED APPLICATION RATE 

One hive for roughly 1500-2500m², depending on crop, lighting, and the number of flowers. Please contact us for advice on the best strategy for your situation.

DIRECTIONS FOR USE 

• Place the hive on a horizontal platform (avoid inclination, otherwise sugar water may leak)
• Position the hive about 20-60 cm above the ground in the shade of the crop or if necessary, provide additional shading
• Under short-day conditions (<10 hours of light), position the hive near the top of plants, in such a way that the hive is exposed to the first daylight
• Wait for at least 15 minutes after positioning the hive before opening the hive entrance, this allows the bumblebees to calm down
• Pull the blue sliding door of the hive upward until two openings become visible (entrance and exit). Do not remove the small grey door under the lid
• Pollination performance and duration vary per crop and depend on environmental conditions.
• Never move a hive from one greenhouse to another.
• Remove bumblebee hives 10 weeks after introduction. Clean the hive stand before placing new hives.

STORAGE 

To guarantee the best pollination results, start using the hive on the day of arrival. If necessary, hives can be stored for 1 day MAX. Store at temperatures between 15-25°C. Keep the hives well-ventilated and out of direct sunlight. 

**ORDERS FOR BIOLOGICAL PEST CONTROLS MUST BE PLACED BEFORE WEDNESDAYS 11:30 AM PST IN ORDER TO BE SHIPPED THE FOLLOWING WEEK. NATUPOL EXCEL HIVES SHIP OUT ALL YEAR ROUND.