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Type of colony 



Temperature 90°F. Average No. Bees 

 Relative Humidity 50% flying per minute 



3 lb. package 1 5 



5 lb. package 50 



3.5 lb. overwintered colony 65 



7 lb. overwintered colony 128 



2. Colonies should possess a laying queen. 



3. Colonies should be disease free. 



Number of Colonies Needed Per Acre : 



An old "rule of thumb" recommendation was one colony per acre. 

 We now recognize that it is difficult to select a standard that 

 will apply under all conditions due to variation in populations 

 of pollinators naturally present, weather factors, colony conditions, 

 exposure of orchard and other factors. 



Location of Colonies in Orchard : 



Most recent investigations demonstrate the advisability of 

 placing colonies in groups throughout the orchard taking advantage 

 of natural wind breaks or providing artificial cover if necessary. 

 Colonies should face south or southeast. 



When To Move Colonies Into the Orchard: 



It is not recommended that bees be placed in an orchard ahead 

 of bloom, since the bees may become trained to visit other flowers. 

 It is suggested that the colonies be moved in when bloom has opened 

 or even wait a day or so if conditions for flight appear to be sat- 

 i sfactory . 



Some of the Problems Facing A Beekeeper Who Rents for Pollination : 



1. Loss of queens or colonies during moving 



2. Swarming 



3. Exposure to disease 



4. Exposure to pesticides 



How Bees May Be Poisoned : 



1. Contamination of water, nectar or pollen with pesticides 

 which have stomach poison action on bees. Contaminated 

 water and pollen may kill both the brood (immature bees) 

 and the adults. Poisoned nectar kills mainly adult field 

 bees but there are some exceptions depending on speed of 

 action of pesticide and distance bees have to fly. 



