Pollen traps

minz · January 08, 2021, 02:49:52 PM

I just built a couple of Sundace Pollen trap knock offs for next year. I can find little information on the operation of them. I understand that they are left on and the tubes in place all year but this sounds like it would turn one hive into just a pollen factory. Anybody have any advice for me this year?
Come on lets talk bees!

The15thMember · January 08, 2021, 08:22:36 PM

I got a Sundance II for Christmas, but I haven't put it together yet. I'd be interested in hearing any tips and tricks as well.

Brian MCquilkin · January 09, 2021, 01:10:31 PM

I have used a number of pollen traps and have found that the Sundance works the best for me. I prefer to put them on as a top entrance it saves me having to bend down to empty them. You will have to inspect them regularly as they can fill quite quickly, twice a week works for me. Don't worry about the bees not getting enough pollen as the trap won't take it all. I never run mine during a dearth, running them in spring and early fall to catch some of the goldenrod and aster pollen. Sometimes bees will get trapped between the scenes, just a few so nothing to worry about.

The15thMember · February 15, 2021, 01:27:22 PM

I've been doing some more research on using the Sundance in prep for this season and I have some questions.
1. I see varying opinions on leaving the trap in the collecting position. Do you leave the trap in the collecting position all through a flow? Or do you do a few days on, a few days off? (Brian, you already answered this question, and thank you; I'm just looking for multiple opinions to help me form a general consensus.)
2. If there are drones in the hive, will they be trapped inside when the trap is in collecting mode?
3. What are the concerns about pollen and pesticides? Every article I read mentions that you should be sure the pollen you are collecting hasn't been sprayed or isn't from a neonic treated plant. I do have some residential areas nearby that may be using pesticides, although nothing that has ever caused my bees noticeable trouble. Is this something you consider? Obviously if you were selling pollen it might be an issue, but for your own consumption would you be worried about pesticide contamination?
4. How do you process the pollen for your own personal (not necessarily saleable) consumption?

Ben Framed · February 15, 2021, 04:00:43 PM

This thread has my interest as well. Not taking away from you questions Member but adding one. Minz did you build yours with number 5 hardware cloth or something else?

.

Brian MCquilkin · February 16, 2021, 02:33:57 PM

Quote from: The15thMember on February 15, 2021, 01:27:22 PM
I've been doing some more research on using the Sundance in prep for this season and I have some questions.
1. I see varying opinions on leaving the trap in the collecting position. Do you leave the trap in the collecting position all through a flow? Or do you do a few days on, a few days off? (Brian, you already answered this question, and thank you; I'm just looking for multiple opinions to help me form a general consensus.)
2. If there are drones in the hive, will they be trapped inside when the trap is in collecting mode?
3. What are the concerns about pollen and pesticides? Every article I read mentions that you should be sure the pollen you are collecting hasn't been sprayed or isn't from a neonic treated plant. I do have some residential areas nearby that may be using pesticides, although nothing that has ever caused my bees noticeable trouble. Is this something you consider? Obviously if you were selling pollen it might be an issue, but for your own consumption would you be worried about pesticide contamination?
4. How do you process the pollen for your own personal (not necessarily saleable) consumption?

I leave them on as till I get the pollen I need. Just remember that the trap wont take all the pollen, bees still get plenty.
The Trap has a built in drone escape.
Never worried about contamination.
Preparation can be a bit tedious as you need to get the debris out . To do that I pick it out, using a small fan to blow on it works.

minz · February 16, 2021, 07:16:56 PM

Quote from: Ben Framed on February 15, 2021, 04:00:43 PM
This thread has my interest as well. Not taking away from you questions Member but adding one. Minz did you build yours with number 5 hardware cloth or something else?

.

I watched YouTube video where this guy uses yellow plastic pollen trap covers for increasing the effectiveness of his Sundance. There was an Ebay link in the video. I got them in packs of 10. in hindsight I should have made my hole smaller under the board. On the positive side it allowed me to see how they were constructed. I have no idea of how they ship from whereever for the price these guys charge for stuff.

The15thMember · February 16, 2021, 07:49:54 PM

Quote from: Brian MCquilkin on February 16, 2021, 02:33:57 PM
I leave them on as till I get the pollen I need. Just remember that the trap wont take all the pollen, bees still get plenty.
The Trap has a built in drone escape.
Never worried about contamination.
Preparation can be a bit tedious as you need to get the debris out . To do that I pick it out, using a small fan to blow on it works.

Thanks Brian, that helps to clarify things for me.

The15thMember · February 17, 2021, 06:05:09 PM

I'm surprised there hasn't been more activity on this thread. Do most of you not harvest pollen?

Bill Murray · February 17, 2021, 06:25:18 PM

I have plastic entrance traps, trap 3 days a week, clean with a cheap fan, put in baggies 1 lb., then in freezer. Use for personal use, give to kids for their allergies, and sell wholesale by the lb. I tried drying once in my dehydrator, wasnt worth the time or energy to me.

BeeMaster2 · February 17, 2021, 09:22:11 PM

Quote from: The15thMember on February 17, 2021, 06:05:09 PM
I'm surprised there hasn't been more activity on this thread. Do most of you not harvest pollen?

Member,
No I have never collected pollen. The first time I picked up a piece of pollen and ate it I had an allergic reaction, cold like symptoms that disappeared that night. After that I didn?t try it for several years. Now I?m ok with eating it but you have to bee careful about using it.
Jim Altmiller

Michael Bush · February 19, 2021, 07:50:37 PM

The Sundance II goes on top and to turn it off, you simply remove it. The Sundance goes on the bottom and has a flap you can open or close to trap or not trap.

JurassicApiary · February 20, 2021, 01:23:26 AM

Quote from: The15thMember on February 17, 2021, 06:05:09 PM
I'm surprised there hasn't been more activity on this thread. Do most of you not harvest pollen?

Due to the regular rain in my area, I elected to go with the Sundance traps. I just received 3 of them (bottom mount version) and look forward to trying them. I opted for these over the front/entrance mount plastic traps to ensure the pollen stays as dry as possible. Indeed, the Sundance has drone escapes. I've read that passing's the pollen through the air stream of a small fan removes most of the debris. If you don't dehydrate it, freeze it until using.

Bill Murray · February 20, 2021, 11:11:40 AM

Jurassic, let me know how these work out for you, the rain is what dictates my pollen collection. Being as I have a market and use on my bees collection during times of in climate weather would be a plus.

The15thMember · February 20, 2021, 11:46:23 AM

Thanks for all the additional replies, everyone. It helps me to get a handle on what people really do.

JurassicApiary · February 21, 2021, 12:28:40 PM

Quote from: Bill Murray on February 20, 2021, 11:11:40 AM
Jurassic, let me know how these work out for you, the rain is what dictates my pollen collection. Being as I have a market and use on my bees collection during times of in climate weather would be a plus.

Will do.