Feeding straight pollen?

[tjc1]

Is there any reason not to feed fresh pollen straight into the hive, other than economy? I poured some through the center hole on top of the dry sugar, thinking that purest is best, and not wanting to encourage hive beetles by making patties.

[drlonzo]

Michael Palmer feeds his bees that he is using for cell builders pollen from the previous year by pouring it into an empty comb and rubbing it in.  Just make sure it is dry prior to doing so.

[buzzbee]

Pollen patties won't attract beetles in MA this time of year.  :) I may have placed some above the inner cover if you don't want patties.Just don't dump it over the bees as likely it will just fall through to the bottom board. I have placed pollen and pollen substitute in an empty hivebody in the yard and open fed on flying days. They will find it and make a beeline for it.

[ScituateMA]

Pollen patties won't attract beetles in MA this time of year.  :)


If there is shb in the hive already,  they can lay eggs in pollen patty for sure in MA . I live in MA and like over a month ago, I had to clean shb larvas from the patties I gave.

[buzzbee]

I have never had a problem with it here in PA. I don't think I've had them overwinter in the hive as I have never seen them early spring.

[ScituateMA]

I did not see shb either but shb larvas were in pollen patty in February in MA