What Is a Pollination Service?

A pollination service involves temporarily placing managed honey bee colonies near a flowering crop during the period when pollination is needed.

Worker bees leave the hive to collect nectar and pollen. As they move from flower to flower, they can transfer pollen between blossoms. For crops that benefit from insect pollination, managed honey bee colonies can provide growers with an additional and dependable source of pollinating insects during bloom.

Buzz’N Bees handles the transportation of the colonies to the property, placement at the agreed location and removal of the colonies when the pollination period is complete.

Who Can Use Pollination Services?

• Fruit orchards
• Berry farms
• Vegetable growers
• Market gardens
• Commercial farms
• Other flowering crops that benefit from insect pollination

How Many Beehives Will I Need?

There is no single hive-per-acre number that works for every crop.

Acreage is important, but colony recommendations can also depend on the crop, variety, bloom density, weather, surrounding forage, field layout and the strength of the colonies being supplied. Some crops may require a different colony density than others.

For that reason, Buzz’N Bees does not advertise a universal “one hive per acre” rule. When you contact us, we will discuss your crop and acreage first and then determine what can reasonably be supplied for your situation.

What We Will Discuss With You

• The crop you are growing
• The approximate acreage requiring pollination
• Your expected bloom period
• Property and field layout
• Suitable locations for the colonies
• Vehicle access for delivery and pickup
• Water availability and surrounding forage
• Any planned pesticide or spray applications
• The number of colonies available for your requested dates

Strong Colonies and Proper Timing Matter

Pollination is not simply a matter of placing a hive beside a field. Colony strength and timing both matter.

The goal is to place healthy, active colonies where foraging bees can work the crop during its useful bloom period. Different crops can flower at different times and may have different pollination requirements, which is why we want to speak with the grower before arranging placement.

We will work with you to determine an expected placement window and arrange delivery as close as practical to the required bloom period.

Preparing for the Bees

Before delivery, we will discuss where the colonies can be safely placed and how they can be accessed for delivery, inspection and removal.

A firm, reasonably level location with practical vehicle access is preferred whenever possible.

Spraying and Bee Safety

Any pesticide or spraying plans should be discussed before colonies are placed. Clear communication between the grower and beekeeper is important while managed honey bee colonies are working on the property.

Our Current Service Area

Buzz’N Bees is currently focused on keeping pollination work reasonably local while our apiary and pollination program continue to grow.

We generally consider pollination requests within approximately a 100 km radius of Tillsonburg, Ontario. Actual availability will depend on distance, crop timing, colony availability, access and the size of the request.

If you are unsure whether your property falls within our practical service area, contact us. We can discuss the location and determine whether the request is workable.

An Expanding Seasonal Service

Buzz’N Bees is continuing to build its apiary and the number of colonies that can be dedicated to pollination work. For now, pollination availability is limited and will depend on colony strength and seasonal conditions.

We would rather provide a realistic answer about availability than promise colonies that cannot be properly supplied. Growers who know they may need managed pollination are encouraged to contact us well before bloom.

Request a Pollination Quote

Pollination pricing is quoted individually based on the job. We do not advertise a single per-hive price because travel, colony numbers, placement period, access and other requirements can vary.

When contacting Buzz’N Bees, please include:

• The crop you are growing
• The property location
• The approximate acreage requiring pollination
• Your expected bloom dates
• When you expect colonies to be needed

Even if you are new to managed pollination and are not sure how many colonies you need, you do not need to have everything figured out before contacting us.

Start with your crop, acreage and location. We can continue the conversation from there.

Buzz’N Bees — supporting local agriculture, one colony at a time.