Beekeepers rarely appreciate moving a large number of bee colonies, using all hand labor, although many do just that. To avoid back-breaking work of lifting hives on and off trucks, some beekeepers have developed methods to mechanically move colonies. Regardless of the method, all beekeepers should fasten separate hive bodies together, using staples or metal straps and clamps.
Two general methods have been developed to handle colonies when moving them. The first involves using an overhead boom. The second is placing colonies on wood pallets. When pallets are used, the beekeeper also must use a fork lift at both ends of the move.
One concept, frequently used for vine crop pollination where fields ripen at different times, is to place colonies on flat bed trucks or semi-trailers and move them from field to field. If room is left on the trailer, bees can be managed all season without further handling of the colonies.
Honeybees are cold-blooded animals. They depend upon the surrounding temperature for their activity outside the colony. For pollination purposes, bee flights should be expected within the temperature range of 55' to 100 F. Below 55 few bees fly outside the hive, and when they do it is only for cleansing or orientation flights. As temperature increases, more bees search for water to cool the colony.
Strong winds slow bee flight activity and stop it completely when it exceeds 25 mph. Hot winds will also reduce nectar secretion, thereby reducing flower attractiveness. Hot, dry conditions also reduce the favorable climate for pollen germination.
Under Ohio conditions, the ideal flight period is often restricted to a few hours each day; perhaps from 10 A.M. to 3 P.M., sometimes shorter periods in the spring, (although bees are seen as early as 7 A.M. and as late as 8 P.M.). Because of short working hours, crops may require several colonies per acre to insure complete pollination. Nothing should be done during this period which might interfere with pollination activity, such as overhead irrigation, pesticide application, or cultivation when dust will be excessive. These activities not only disturb bees but also interfere with normal pollen production, germination, and fertilization.
Applying pesticides to crops near other plants that are attractive to bees should be done carefully. For example, mow dandelion in orchards before bloom to eliminate competition for bee visits and reduce the risk of pesticide injury.