A pollen trap is a perforated grid that strips the pollen loads from a bee's legs. It is a simple device, but because it affects the colony directly its use needs care.

How it works

The bee must pass through the grid to enter. The holes are sized to let her through while stripping the pollen loads.

The pollen falls into a drawer below, which must be inaccessible to the bees; otherwise they retrieve it.

Types

• Entrance type: Fitted at the entrance. Easy to install and check; limited capacity
• Floor type: Sits under the hive. Larger capacity and better protected from rain
• Top type: Sits above the hive; requires the bees to enter from the top

Critical details

• An adjustment period: The bees struggle at first. Leaving it open for a few days before engaging it eases the transition
• Drone passage: Drones cannot pass the grid; a separate exit must be left
• Rain protection: Wet pollen goes mouldy quickly
• Drawer access: It must be emptiable without opening the hive

How long to run it

The trap must not take all the pollen; the colony needs it for brood rearing.

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

When not to use one

• On weak colonies
• On newly made splits
• On colonies being requeened
• During a dearth
• On colonies producing queens or royal jelly

After collection

Fresh pollen is very moist and spoils quickly.

• Empty the drawer daily; twice a day in hot weather
• Dry or freeze it immediately
• The drying temperature must be low
• Sort out foreign matter

As a monitoring tool

Beyond production, a trap serves another purpose: the colour and quantity of the pollen collected show which plants are working and how strong the forage is.