The Beetube — a new honey bee pollination device in Western Australia

Abstract

The development of a simple, durable, lightweight and disposable beehive for high-density (and netted) orchards and crops distant from beekeeping areas provides a useful product and a further diversification for beekeepers involved in professional pollination services. The total weight of a fully developed Beetube ranged from 2.23 to 3.64 kg, contained about 9101 bees, 3038 cm² of comb, and had a morning and afternoon flight activity of 19-43 and 11-34 honey bees per minute, respectively.