Our bumblebee hives are 100% self-contained, with no need for any on-going maintenance. We provide the bumblebees with sufficient sugar solution to last the life of the hive, which is pre-packaged at the base of the hive box. Hives are delivered to your door by courier service; you can then position them where necessary, without anybody traipsing around your property with potential contaminants. All the bumblebees need is pollen to collect, and in doing so, to pollinating your flowers!
The hive is the size of approximately 5 standard reams of A4 paper placed on top of each other. The hive outer is typically constructed out of biodegradable recycled cardboard, so if you are placing it outside, it is essential to situate the hive in a weather proofed enclosure with an overlapping roof to keep driving rain off. When placing the hive, it is important to note that the bumblebees will have become agitated from having their home shaken. Please leave the hive in its final position for around 1 hour before opening. In glass or plastic houses, it is best to open the hive when the vents are closed to prevent bumblebees from getting lost outside.
Ideally the hive should be raised off the ground by 1 - 1.5 metres or so to keep it drier, warmer and free from ants. Ensure the hive is secure, stable and level. An unlevel hive may result in the bees being unable to access sugar syrup.
Cardboard box dimensions are: 345 x 240 x 210 mm (L x W x H).
The hive is the size of approximately 5 standard reams of A4 paper placed on top of each other. The hive outer is typically constructed out of biodegradable recycled cardboard, so if you are placing it outside, it is essential to situate the hive in a weather proofed enclosure with an overlapping roof to keep driving rain off. When placing the hive, it is important to note that the bumblebees will have become agitated from having their home shaken. Please leave the hive in its final position for around 1 hour before opening. In glass or plastic houses, it is best to open the hive when the vents are closed to prevent bumblebees from getting lost outside.
Ideally the hive should be raised off the ground by 1 - 1.5 metres or so to keep it drier, warmer and free from ants. Ensure the hive is secure, stable and level. An unlevel hive may result in the bees being unable to access sugar syrup.
Cardboard box dimensions are: 345 x 240 x 210 mm (L x W x H).
Insulated box dimensions are: 340 x 240 x 270 mm (L x W x H).
If you're wanting a more permanent structure to house the hives outdoors, check out these boxes supplied by an independent supplier on Trademe. These have been designed around the Biobees box, but Biobees is not involved in their design, production or sale, and questions regarding them should be directed to the supplier.
Upon opening, the bumblebees will complete a short orientation flight to determine where they are and how to get back to their hive. Be careful not to stand too close to the hive while this is happening as you may affect the bumblebee’s sense of orientation. If placing 3 or more hives together, be sure to face hives in different directions to prevent the bumblebees from becoming disorientated and returning to the wrong hive.
Upon opening, the bumblebees will complete a short orientation flight to determine where they are and how to get back to their hive. Be careful not to stand too close to the hive while this is happening as you may affect the bumblebee’s sense of orientation. If placing 3 or more hives together, be sure to face hives in different directions to prevent the bumblebees from becoming disorientated and returning to the wrong hive.