Bumblebees

[JohnK and Sheri]

Someone recently asked me about pollinating his greenhouse and I got to thinking about bumblebees. I have heard that bumblebees are great for greenhouse duties, preferable to honeybees. I know nothing of them but find them interesting. How does one manage bumblebees for pollinating in a greenhouse? What sort of "hives"? Can they be moved around like honeybees? Is there a problem with greenhouse enclosures?
Does anyone on this forum manage bumblebees?
Sheri

[Keith Jarrett]

>I have heard that bumblebees are great for greenhouse duties, preferable to honeybees.

Sheri, Yes this is very true, This is big business for them in the geenhouse market. Up scale restauant's seek out these veggies because of there quality.


>Can they be moved around like honeybees?

Yes, card board boxes

There a place in Watsonville, CA Bees west inc , that raises bumblebees.I use to do alot of business with them, good folks.

Keith

[MichaelW]

Here's the guide to raising local bumble bees

http://befriendingbumblebees.com/

[JohnK and Sheri]

Thanks Michael, I ordered the book just now.
Sheri

[phil c]

can you get honey from bumbles?

sounds interesting, I always thought they nested underground.

[Yuleluder]

Whats the going rate for a bumblebee hive in a green house? I'm sure this question has many different answers, but I'm curious.