1. The grower and the beekeeper should have a formal contract, preferably 

 in writing, concerning the renting of the bees. Among the matters to 

 be considered might be the following: 



a. Number of colonies, when wanted and how to be distributed in the 

 orchard. 



b. Minimum strength of colonies to be provided. 



c. Rental charge with terms of payment. 



d. Number of days notice for delivery and removal of colonies. 



e. Extra compensation, should heavy loss occur as a result of pesticide 

 application while bees are in the orchard. 



2. The beekeeper can make certain that 



a. Colonies are above minimum strength agreed upon and are distributed 

 in the orchard as the grower wishes. 



b. Colonies are delivered and removed on time. 



c. The grower is advised not to disturb colonies and to wear protective 

 clothing, at least a veil, if he has to work close to the hive location. 



d. The grower has your correct name, address and telephone number so that 

 he can contact you easily if the need arises. 



3. The grower should consider the following items to facilitate good working 

 relationships. 



a. Insist on strong colonies and be willing to pay a satisfactory price 

 in order to get them. 



b. Order the bees early and give the beekeeper an adequate amount of 

 time to deliver and remove the bees. It is particularly important 

 that the bees are removed prior to any insecticide application after 

 bloom. 



c. Do not disturb or move the colonies without the consent of the beekeeper, 



d. Carry out the terms of payment. 



e. Provide someone familiar with the orchard layout to make certain that 

 the bees are distributed where desired and to aid the beekeeper in 

 locating the colonies when he removes them. 



f. Avoid the possibility of poisoning the bees. Insecticides should not 

 be applied during bloom. Some insecticides, if applied during a late 

 pink spray, may leave residues highly toxic to bees. Most fungicides 

 can be used during bloom but if possible, avoid application while bees 

 are actively flying. 



Many orchards contain weeds, such as dandelions mustard, etc. If the bees have 

 been collecting nectar and pollen from these, they will continue to do so. Since this 

 can reduce the number of bees visiting fruit blossoms, a grower might consider the 

 removal of such competing bloom by clipping or other means. He must make certain 

 that an adequate supply of suitable pollen is provided. 



In conclusion, if a grower has had a problem of inadequate pollination which 

 seems to be caused by too few pollinators, he should consider securing colonies of 

 bees to overcome this problem. Many of the counties have active beekeeping associa- 

 tions. Your county agent can provide the name of the secretaries of such organiza- 

 tions. Through the secretary you can contact beekeepers who are willing to provide 



