Lesson 80: Renting Bees for Pollination

How pollination rental works, what growers expect, and how to put it in writing

Many crops produce more, bigger and better-shaped fruit when insects move pollen between flowers. Honey bees are especially valuable pollinators because they can be managed and moved to a crop exactly when it blooms. Nationally, honey bee pollination adds billions of dollars to crop value each year, and renting colonies to growers is a source of income for many beekeepers.

Which crops need bees

Crops differ a lot: - Some need insect pollination to set fruit at all: blueberries (their flower shape prevents self-pollination by wind or gravity), and squash and pumpkins (separate male and female flowers). - Some produce more, or better, fruit with bees: apples and many tree fruits (planting two or more varieties together helps), strawberries (complete pollination gives larger, more symmetrical berries), cucumbers, melons and watermelons. - Some pollinate themselves and don't need bees: for example beans and tomatoes.

Other pollinators help too. Native bees, bumble bees and mason bees also pollinate many crops, sometimes better than honey bees for particular crops (lesson 82).

Which crops are rented, and when, depends on your region. Your Seasonal Guide notes the main pollination crops in your area.

How many colonies

Recommendations vary by crop, variety, and how many other pollinators are around. For several common crops (such as apples, blueberries, cucumbers and watermelons), about one colony per acre is often used. Growers usually follow their Extension crop guide for the number.

What growers expect: strong colonies

Strong colonies pollinate far better. A populous colony sends more foragers into the crop, and its bees fly at cooler temperatures than bees from weak colonies. That's why agreements often specify colony strength, for example: - frames covered with bees (at a stated outdoor temperature), or - square inches (or frames) of brood, or - number of boxes the colony fills.

Growers may have the right to inspect colonies to check they meet the standard. Deliver only colonies that meet it.

The pollination agreement

Put it in writing. A good agreement protects both sides, and should cover:

• Who: the grower and the beekeeper, with addresses, the crop and field location.
• Price: rent per colony, when and how it's paid, and who pays any extra costs.
• Delivery and removal: when colonies arrive (often when a set percentage of flowers is open, since bees brought too early may forage on other plants), how the grower will notify you, and when bees are removed. Timing matters: for some crops a few days' delay can mean failure.
• Number and strength of colonies, and how strength will be checked.
• Placement: where colonies go in or beside the field, with truck access, water and safety from flooding and vandalism.
• Pesticides: the most important protection for the beekeeper. Spell out that the grower (and neighbors, where possible) will not apply bee-toxic pesticides while colonies are present, or will notify you well in advance (at least the day before), and who is responsible for losses if bees are poisoned (lesson 68).
• Liability and access: responsibility for stings, livestock and public safety, and the beekeeper's right to enter the property to work the bees.
• What happens if things change: weather, crop failure, delays.

Moving bees for pollination

• Move bees at night, or early morning, when all foragers are home. Close or screen entrances before moving (lesson 28).
• Strap or secure hives so boxes can't shift.
• Don't let bees overheat while confined: ventilation, shade, and move quickly (lesson 67).
• Have water available at the new site (lesson 51).
• Moving is stressful on colonies. Keep them healthy and well fed, check mites, and give them time to recover afterward. Colonies in pollination mix with bees from other apiaries, which can spread mites and disease.

What to remember

• Bees are rented because they're movable, managed pollinators; many crops yield more and better fruit with them.
• Colony numbers vary by crop; about one per acre is common for several crops. Strong colonies pollinate best.
• Put it in writing: price, timing, number and strength, placement, pesticide protection, liability.
• Move bees at night, secured, ventilated, and watch colony health afterward.

Quick check

1. Why do growers prefer strong colonies?
2. Name three things a pollination agreement should cover.
3. What's the most important protection for the beekeeper in a pollination agreement?

Adapted from: McGregor, S. E., Insect Pollination of Cultivated Crop Plants (USDA Agriculture Handbook 496, online edition), chapter on pollination agreements; Penn State Extension, Pollination Services; Delaplane, Honey Bees and Beekeeping (UGA Bulletin 1045, rev. 2017); Purdue Extension, Protecting Honey Bees from Pesticides (E-53, 2021).

Adapted from university Extension sources. Experienced Georgia beekeepers are reviewing these lessons. See something that doesn't match your experience? Tell us.