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Directions For Use
Unit of Packaging
Introduction
Moving QUAD Units Between Locations
Environmental
Chemical Usage
Precautions
Species: Bombus impatiens (Impatient Bumblebee)
Package: QUAD pollination unit containing four temperature insulated bumblebee hives each containing a vacuum sealed bag holding supplemental sugar water solution.
Contains: Each bumblebee hive contains approximately 250 workers, a reproductive queen, and developing brood (eggs, larvae, and pupae).
Place the QUAD unit on a pallet and secure it with rope or bungee cords. Pallets allow for air circulation around the unit.
Place QUAD units near paths or walkways through the crop with the hive doors orientated away from direct prevailing winds.
It is recommended to provide a shade structure over the unit to protect the hives from afternoon sun.
Pull open or cut open the 4 flaps on top of the plastic outer box (located on 2 of the 4 sides only) to expose the 4 doors of the QUAD unit.
Open the hive doors by pulling the sliding door of each hive upward until two openings become visible (entrance and exit). Do NOT REMOVE the small black door under the lid.
A mesh fabric covers the exit from the hives. Do NOT REMOVE this mesh tape. The bees must chew through this tape. The time needed to chew through the tape provides an adequate amount of time for the bees to settle down from shipping and to acclimate themselves to their new surroundings. If after 24 hours, they have not chewed through, carefully remove the mesh tape with utility knife.
QUAD units can be moved between fields. However, prior to moving the units to another location it is important to allow all bees to return to their hives.
To accomplish this, press the sliding hive doors back down one notch until one of the two openings is closed.
The opening left open is an entrance-only into the hives. Bees can return to the hive, but are unable to leave.
It is best to set the doors to this position early during the day when the bees are less active and to prevent bees from leaving late in the day, as some bees may stay in the crop overnight.
That evening move the bees to their new location and allow them time to settle down, usually overnight.
Open the hive doors the next day, preferably in the morning prior to sunrise when the bees are less active and will be less inclined to leave the hive as the mesh tape is no longer functional.
QUAD bumblebees perform at ambient temperatures of 50-82°F (10-28°C). Bumblebees will forage at temperatures above and below this range, but at reduced levels.
Bumblebees will forage in windy and rainy conditions, although typically at reduced levels.
Bombus impatiens is native to U.S. states east of the Rocky Mountains and will not impact naturally occurring pollinators and insects.
Bumblebees can be used in conjunction with honeybees, but should be placed at least 100 yards from know honeybee colonies to prevent honeybee hives from raiding the bumblebees nests.
QUAD units are attractive to large mammals such as bears. If bears are a concern, surround the QUAD units with electric fencing available from agricultural suppliers.
Bumblebees are susceptible to various chemicals as are other pollinators. Detailed and actual information about side effects and appropriate measures are available at www.koppert.com.
Before using incompatible pesticides, hives must be closed and removed from the treated area. This should never last longer than 2 days, as the colony will suffer from starvation and mortality of larvae due to lack of pollen.
Bumblebees are attracted by colors and odors, as well as blue and yellow clothing, after shave lotion, perfume, cologne, cosmetics, etc… Bumblebees are not aggressive, but they may sting in self-defense. Bumblebees are equipped with a barb-less stinger and can sting repetitively. Local swelling and itching are a common side effect of bumblebee stings, and typically does not require medical attention.
Some people, however, can show oversensitive reactions after one or more stings: pain and itching on places other than where stung, or sometimes over the entire body. Other possible symptoms are red skin, blisters, respiratory problems, sickness, sneezing and irritation of the nostrils, throat or eyes. If any of these or other serious symptoms occur, seek immediate medical attention.
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