Bumble Bees in Greenhouse Vegetable Production

Commercial bumble bees have a lifestyle and foraging behavior that is fitting for greenhouse operations. This commercial bumble bee colony is deployed in a greenhouse in Saginaw, Michigan. They will last up to 12 weeks and require minimal management except for being placed off the ground and shaded. Inside each colony is a pre-packaged sugar water source to keep bees fed when flowers are unavailable or when sprays are applied, but be proactive about closing the entrance before spraying insecticides.