Bees Collecting Pollen Sub

[Jacobs]

I put out a bowl of dry pollen substitute by my nectarometer (honey water jar feeder) this morning to see how the bees would react. They are showing real interest in both. I may take advantage of this warm period to put some pollen substitute patties on hives at the house. I know that once I start, I must keep them on until a strong natural pollen source (red maple) is available. I want the problem of booming populations early.

[DuaneB]

I've had one of those "Big Blue" dry pollen feeders out since Oct. My bees, and others I've noticed, has been working on it steadily. I put out some 'cut out' honey filled comb for them to have over Christmas. Will see how that goes.

[Jacobs]

I put dry pollen substitute out by my "nectarometer" for the first time this morning. It took about 10 minutes for the bees to show a strong interest in it. I'll keep it out, weather permitting, until the Red Maple blooms. Hoping to have to deal with swarm issues when that season begins.

[Jacobs]

I can see large buds and small buds on red maples near my house, but the bees continue to be very interested in the pollen substitute I am putting out. They are also heavily into the water I keep out. If we do not get a brutal freeze, it looks like the maple bloom will be early this year. I'll look at blooms again as soon as the bees show less interest in the pollen substitute.