Pollen is the colony's protein source. Production rests on diverting part of what the bees bring in, using a trap. The key words are part of: the colony's own needs come first.

How a trap works

A pollen trap is a perforated grid the bee must pass through. As she squeezes past, the loads on her legs are stripped and fall into a drawer below.

Traps are made as entrance, floor or top types. What they share is that the bee must pass without undue difficulty and must lose the pollen.

How much may be taken

A trap does not take all the pollen, and must not; the colony needs it to rear brood. Run continuously at full capacity, brood production stops.

The common practice is intermittent operation: a few days on, a few days off. If the brood area begins to shrink, the trap is closed.

When to collect

Periods of abundant pollen are targeted: spring and the weeks of heavy forage. Running a trap during a dearth weakens the colony directly.

Pollen is not taken from weak colonies, newly made splits or colonies being requeened.

After collection — the critical stage

Fresh pollen is very moist and spoils quickly; mould and yeast growth begin within hours.

• Collect daily. Empty the drawer twice a day in hot weather
• Chill or dry it immediately
• The drying temperature must be low. Heat damages nutritional value and colour
• Clean it. Bee parts, wax fragments and foreign matter must be removed

Storage

Dried pollen is kept dry, cool and dark in an airtight container. Frozen pollen preserves nutritional value better but requires a cold chain.

If moisture remains, mould develops; mouldy pollen cannot be used and cannot be sorted.

Hygiene

Pollen is consumed directly. Food hygiene rules apply at collection, drying and packing: clean surfaces, food-grade containers, an environment protected from dust and pests.

The cost to the colony

The trap slows the bees and reduces protein intake. Taken too far, brood rearing declines, the colony weakens and honey yield suffers as well.

Collect while watching colony strength; if the brood area is shrinking, stop.