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Description
Pollination is one of the most critical factors in successful crop production, and for indoor growers, ensuring effective pollination can be challenging. The Natupol Excel "Startup" Bumblebee Hive is a high-performance pollination solution designed to increase fruit set, improve crop uniformity, and enhance yield quality in greenhouse environments.
This professionally developed bumblebee hive system is ideal for pollinating indoor crops such as round and plum tomatoes and other fruit-bearing plants. The hive includes a queen, 100-125 worker bumblebees, developing brood, and a sugar water reservoir, ensuring the colony remains active and efficient in pollination tasks. Recommended for growing areas over 2000 m², this hive is designed to support high-density floral environments with 25-35 flowers per square meter per week.
Why Choose the Natupol Excel "Startup" Hive?
Many crops rely on effective pollination for proper fruit development, but factors such as limited air movement, lack of natural pollinators, and controlled greenhouse conditions can make pollination inefficient. The Natupol Excel "Startup" Bumblebee Hive solves this challenge by introducing highly efficient pollinators directly into the crop environment.
Key Benefits of the Natupol Excel Bumblebee Hive
- Boosts Pollination Efficiency – Ensures high-quality fruit set and uniform production by delivering precise and consistent pollination.
- Bumblebee Activity from Day One – Worker bees begin pollinating immediately upon release, and new workers hatch in the following weeks to sustain pollination.
- Optimized for Large Greenhouses – Designed for indoor cultivation areas over 2000 m², ensuring wide-area coverage.
- Beevision Technology for Better Navigation – Hives feature improved visibility, helping bumblebees locate and return to the hive efficiently, reducing drift and improving overall pollination.
- Works in Various Climate Conditions – Effective in greenhouse environments with temperatures between 50-86°F.
- Self-Sustaining Colony – The hive comes preloaded with a sugar water reservoir, ensuring colony health during transport and before foraging begins.
How the Natupol Excel "Startup" Bumblebee Hive Works
The worker bumblebees in the Natupol Excel Hive start pollinating immediately upon release, transferring pollen from flower to flower, ensuring proper fertilization and improving fruit size, shape, and yield quality. Over the following weeks, new worker bees continue to hatch, maintaining a consistent and reliable pollination workforce.
Optimal Placement & Setup for Maximum Performance
To achieve the best pollination results, follow these key installation and placement guidelines:
Hive Distribution & Positioning
- Placement in Greenhouses – Position hives evenly along the main path of the greenhouse.
- Hive Stability – Ensure hives are placed on a horizontal platform to prevent sugar water leakage.
- Strategic Placement Based on Seasons:
- Summer Positioning – Place hives 20-60 cm above the ground, ideally on the south side of a path, to maximize shading from the crop canopy.
- Winter Positioning – Position hives near the top of the plants, on the north side of the main path, where they are exposed to the first daylight.
- Wait Before Opening the Hive – After placement, wait at least 15 minutes before opening the entrance to allow the colony to settle and acclimate.
Environmental & Handling Considerations
- Temperature Range – Best suited for temperatures between 10-30°C to ensure optimal bumblebee activity.
- Shade During Warm Conditions – Provide extra shading if temperatures are excessively high to prevent overheating of the hive.
- Visibility for Navigation – Keep hive entrances clearly visible to help bumblebees find their way back efficiently.
Best Practices for Maintaining the Hive
To ensure long-term hive productivity, follow these best management practices:
Proper Hive Handling & Storage
- Start Using the Hive Immediately – For best results, deploy the hive on the same day it arrives.
- Storage Conditions Before Use – If needed, store hives at 59-77°F, away from direct sunlight until ready for placement.
- Minimize Disturbances – Avoid frequently moving or opening the hive, as this can stress the colony and disrupt pollination activity.
Bumblebee Behavior & Hive Management
- Limit Hive Crowding – Place no more than two hives close together to reduce bumblebee drift between colonies.
- Monitor Colony Activity – Check hive entrance activity regularly to ensure workers are foraging effectively.
- Avoid Chemical Interference – Reduce the use of pesticides or other chemical treatments that may negatively impact bumblebee health.
Important Considerations & Special Instructions
Activating the "Bee Happy" Nectar Bag
Each Natupol Bumblebee Hive includes a "Bee Happy" nectar bag that must be uncapped before releasing the bumblebees.
- Why It’s Important – If the nectar bag is left capped, the colony will not develop properly, limiting pollination effectiveness.
- How to Uncap the Nectar Bag – Follow the provided step-by-step instructions to safely activate the nectar supply.
Preventing Hive Overheating
- Ensure Shade in Hot Conditions – If temperatures exceed 30°C, consider additional cooling or shading measures to protect the hive.
- Proper Hive Placement – Avoid direct sunlight exposure for prolonged periods, especially in midday summer conditions.
Pollination Success & Results
When properly deployed and maintained, Natupol Excel Bumblebee Hives offer excellent pollination efficiency, leading to:
- Higher fruit set and yield per plant
- More uniform fruit development
- Reduced need for manual pollination
- Improved overall crop quality