Proper bee nutrition is the foundation for the survival and development of every apiary, especially during periods when nature does not provide enough. Many beekeepers wonder how to feed pollen to colonies safely, economically, and effectively, without relying solely on poor-quality pollen substitutes. In this article, we will analyze the process of offering natural pollen directly inside the hive frames. This ensures the necessary protein for bees, leading to an explosive increase in brood and a rich honey production.
The vital role of pollen in colony development
The eternal challenge for beekeepers worldwide is how to maintain strong colonies that can maximize honey production. This problem becomes intense during honey flows or blooms that provide little to no pollen to the colonies. It is widely accepted that to build powerful hives, bees require natural pollen, and in large quantities. Pollen is the essential fuel for the colony; only with an abundant supply can the queen develop a rich brood. This ensures a massive population of healthy worker bees ready to harvest the honey.
Commercial bee feeds with added pollen and their cost
This is how bee food doughs with added pollen were created. These are industrial products designed to increase the brood. However, beekeepers and manufacturers soon realized that natural pollen has a very high cost. Feeds made exclusively with real pollen are economically unsustainable. For this reason, the market turned to the search for cheaper pollen substitutes.
Substitutes and the dangers of soy
Subsequently, various substitutes—ingredients like soy and milk powder that could replace pollen in the doughs—began to be used in large proportions inside bee feeds. In many cases, natural pollen is not even included in the doughs, and only substitutes are used.
While I am not in a position to judge whether a substitute can play the exact same role as pollen, the truth is that these two materials have nothing to do with each other. Furthermore, genetically modified soy plants are designed so that when a worm bites them, it dies. This creates serious doubts about whether they are ultimately good for the bees' organisms. Now, think about this: if genetically modified ingredients can cause such side effects in humans, imagine the impact on honeybees, whose organisms are infinitely more sensitive and fragile.
What research shows about GMOs
Looking into the effects of GMO (genetically modified) consumption on humans, the findings are worrying. Research shows a potential risk of triggering allergies through the consumption of GMOs. At the same time, there is an increase in microbial resistance to antibiotics, making these drugs less effective. The production of new toxins by modified plants, which release toxic substances against weeds and insects, may ultimately be toxic to humans as well.
Global imports and the threat of Nosema ceranae
On the other hand, it is well-documented that uncontrolled amounts of imported pollen have entered the global market, driving the worldwide spread of a dangerous disease known as Nosema ceranae. This specific nosemosis originated in China and Asia. It managed to spread to apiaries all over the globe not through natural means, but through contaminated pollen shipments. When beekeepers buy cheap, untested foreign pollen, they unknowingly expose their colonies to severe pathogen risks that can ruin their livestock. This is an absolute certainty that every beekeeper worldwide must realize.
The beekeeper's big dilemma
So, if substitutes cause fear due to genetically modified ingredients and potential intolerance in bees, and if foreign pollen hides risks of transmitting diseases, what can a beekeeper do? How can they help their colonies develop more brood and produce rich honey in the summer? Is there an ideal solution? The answer is a clear yes.
In-house collection with pollen traps
The real solution lies in placing a few of our own devices, such as pollen traps. In this way, we can collect perfectly safe and clean pollen from our own strong colonies during the spring or autumn months, or during the specific periods when bees bring abundant pollen into the hives in each region.
Methods of preserving pollen
After collecting the pollen from the traps, we have two options for proper preservation. The first option is to spread it out on a large tray and leave it exposed to the sun until it dries completely, making sure to stir it at regular intervals. The second option is to store it directly in the freezer or refrigerator to keep it in its fresh form.
Preparation for use
When the right time comes and we need it, the best way to handle it is to place it inside a blender to turn it into a fine powder. If this process is not easy to do, we can use it in its original form without any problem, exactly as it was collected. The whole application process is extremely simple.
Choosing the right frames
We take frames with dark combs preferably, and this choice is not accidental. In the summer, bees choose to lay eggs and work almost exclusively on dark wax, which is much more resistant to high temperatures. On the contrary, there is always the fear that white combs, which are fresh and soft, might melt or be destroyed by the intense summer heat.
The process of filling the comb
We pour the pollen, either ground into powder or unground, directly onto the frame. Then, with the help of a small spatula, we gently push the grains so that they go deep into the cells until they are completely filled.
After spreading it well and evenly over as large an area of the frame as possible, we take a small spray bottle filled with water and wet it very well.
The result of spraying
As soon as we finish spraying, we will notice an immediate change in the texture and appearance of the material. The moisture will help the pollen stabilize and integrate perfectly inside the comb cells, taking its final form before being placed in the hive.
The reaction of the bees to wet pollen
We are not worried at all by the fact that the pollen is wet during placement. As soon as the frame enters the hive, the bees will take action and fix it immediately. Within just 24 hours, the image of the comb changes completely. Now, the pollen looks identical to how it would look if the bees had collected it themselves from nature, with the difference that it is perfectly tested, homegrown pollen.
The importance of spraying in fermentation
Wetting with the spray bottle plays a huge role in the whole process, as it triggers the fermentation of pollen. Through this natural process, the necessary beneficial bacteria are created, which are absolutely essential for the proper nutrition and development of the brood. After the first twenty-four hours, you will notice that the cells no longer look overflowing. This happens because the bees removed the excess moisture, pressed it carefully with their heads, and packed it tightly deep inside the cells.
Pollen patty vs. Natural pollen frame
It is worth remembering a very big difference in feed efficiency. For bees to manage to raise a full frame of brood using ready-made pollen patties, they need at least one kilogram of dough. In contrast, with just one frame of natural pollen, they can develop up to four frames of brood.
Of course, this explosion of growth will not happen instantly. Bees cannot understand our need for an immediate population increase to exploit late-season honey flows or major honey harvests. Within their society, they function based on instinct. They see the environmental conditions around them and they know they must conserve their strength and manage their reserves properly.
The truth about artificial feeds
I will repeat it once more, as it is a great truth in beekeeping. It is not possible to just give a candy sugar or a kilo of ready-made pollen patty to the colonies and magically expect them to fill up with brood immediately. Be certain of this: no matter how much pollen patty you give them, if the bees do not find even a small external flow of pollen from nature, it won't work. I have checked it repeatedly in practice, and I do not want to hide the reality from fellow beekeepers.
The superiority of natural pollen
Of course, our own natural pollen placed in the frames in the above manner is vastly superior to any commercial substitute. A golden rule applies in beekeeping: you must always be generous with your colonies so that they are generous with you. The bee is nature's best payer, and whatever you offer her in care and proper food, she will return it to you tenfold with a rich production of honey.
Beware of mold and quality control
In conclusion, it is extremely important to emphasize the aspect of food safety. If the stored pollen, for any reason, holds moisture and gets moldy, it immediately becomes unsuitable and dangerous for the health of the bees. A practical way to check is to taste it yourself first. If its taste is clean, pleasant, and as it should be, then and only then can you safely give it to your bees.
We have tried to describe the entire process as clearly and simply as possible. We would be absolutely thrilled if our method helps beekeepers around the world improve their apiaries. With love from Greece
Good luck!
Melissocosmos: Come and discover the magical world of bees
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