How bee pollen is collected: terms and rules for implementation, further storage

Flower pollen is the male sex cells that are produced by all flowering plants for the purpose of fertilization and fruit formation. The substance accumulates on the legs and torsos of bees and sometimes includes insect saliva and nectar. The product contains many valuable components. Therefore, many are interested in how to properly collect bee pollen.

How much pollen can be collected from one hive in a season?

For 1 departure, a bee collects about 15 milligrams of pollen. As a result, during the season, the bee colony can receive up to 20-30 kilograms of product.At the same time, you should not worry that collecting pollen in the apiary will lead to the deprivation of insects of food. Pollen traps are able to collect only 20-40% of pollen, which does not particularly affect the life of bees. According to research, collecting 1 kilogram of pollen results in the loss of only 250 grams of honey.

Thus, with high efficiency of bees for 1 day with a bee colony, it is possible to obtain 60-120 grams of pollen. During the season, this figure reaches 2-4 kilograms.

What do you need for this?

Beekeepers use special traps to collect pollen. They are placed near the entrance to the hive and include fairly large holes. In the process of passing through the hole, the pollen is knocked off the hind legs of the bee and gets through the filter into a special box.

At the end of daylight, the beekeeper takes the container with the bee. At the same time, you can not leave it overnight in the hive. This is due to the following factors:

bees do not fly at night, and therefore a tray near the entrance is not needed;
Overnight, the pollen absorbs moisture, which degrades the properties of the product.

Principles of operation of the pollen trap

Pollen traps differ in design features and sizes. However, they all have a similar principle of operation. Traps for collecting pollen are divided into external and internal. The first category of fixtures includes a body, 2 grates and a box. The bees enter the hive through the first grating, the second one is placed on the body and plays the role of a filter through which the bees enter the assembly box.

Modern traps are made of wood or durable plastic. They are completely safe for bees. It is important that the pollen trap has good ventilation. This prevents the accumulation of moisture. The advantages of such traps include the following:

ease of maintenance;
affordable price;
no need for special efforts on the part of the beekeeper.

Internal pollen traps are placed on the bottom of the hive and connected to the inlet entrance hole. They also include nets, body, drawer and notch. Indoor installation has certain advantages, since the structure does not get wet during rain. However, it is difficult to pull it out without disturbing the bees during the rainy season, which is a disadvantage.

Collection dates

Experts do not advise using pollen traps in early spring. During this period, bee colonies need pollen to grow brood. Also, do not do this during the main honey collection period, so as not to distract insects from the main task of collecting honey.

It is best to collect pollen only in the morning, when the bees bring it to the hive in large quantities. After lunch, it is recommended to make access to the hive free. This makes it easier for the bees to pass and fly around the drones.

Experienced beekeepers note that over time, the bees adapt to pass through the holes of the structures without losing the trim. As a result, pollen collection is reduced. Therefore, it is recommended to keep pollen traps on the hives for 5-7 days, then take a week break and use the devices again.

It is necessary to collect the pollen from the pollen trap every day, because with daily temperature fluctuations and changes in humidity, the pollen absorbs a lot of moisture, which leads to a deterioration in its properties.In addition, under conditions of high humidity, fungi form in the composition of pollen, and putrefactive microflora develops. Such a product becomes unusable.

How to collect bee pollen?

When passing through the holes of the grate, the bees from the hind legs get knocked off and fall into the collection box. The diameter of the holes in the grate is 5 millimeters, and their number reaches 200. By the evening, 100-200 grams of the product can accumulate in the container. By this time, it should be withdrawn.

Some traps are recommended to be used for a short period of time - within a few days. Pollen traps are stressful for the colony. Therefore, you should not expose the bees in the apiary to prolonged discomfort.

Individual manufacturers of pollen traps note that the devices retain only a specific amount of pollen from the hive.Thanks to this, it can be used constantly during the honey collection. However, experienced beekeepers note that the constant use of the structure provokes the death of bees.

Storage rules

The duration of storage of a substance depends on the conditions. Packed and dried buttocks must be placed in a dry place. It is recommended to keep it at a temperature of +20 degrees. If the product is canned, a cooler room with a temperature of +14 degrees is required. It can also be placed in the refrigerator.

In airtight packaging, dried pollen can be stored for 1 year without loss of properties. At the same time, the shelf life of a canned product can reach 2 years. However, it is important to consider that after six months it will lose 30% of its properties, and after 1 year - 50%.

Bee pollen is a natural complex of vitamins and minerals that can be a substitute for many medicines.It brings great benefits to the body and has almost no contraindications. At the same time, it is important to properly collect the product and provide it with proper storage conditions.