• Bumblebees forage at temperatures as low as 40°F, while honeybees forage when temperatures are 55°F and higher.
• Bumblebees do not adjust foraging times to avoid wind, while honeybees foraging is stopped when wind speeds reach 15 mph.
• Bumblebees have a simple foraging communication system and will work an extended area until it is fully pollinated, while honeybees use a sophisticated dance language to direct workers to new food sources.
• Bumblebees use "buzz pollination" or sonication to release pollen from flower anthers, while honeybees do not sonicate to collect pollen.
• Bumblebees can deposit larger quantities of pollen to the stigma than honeybees, requiring fewer visits for pollination.
• Due to at their more erratic flight pattern, bumblebees are better at cross-pollinating, improving fruit set.
• Bumblebees will forage in lower light conditions than honeybees, adding to their work hours and the ability to forage in covered crops.
• If you currently use honeybees in your crop, consider introducing bumblebees into the mix. These two pollinators, when combined, stimulate a healthy competition that enhances their collective pollination efforts. This mutual rivalry not only boosts pollination results but also culminates in improved crop yields and tangible pollination cost savings. Diversifying your pollinator approach is an astute strategy for a richer and more cost-effective harvest.

The natural life cycle of the bumblebee is replicated under laboratory conditions at our production facili­ty in Howell, Michigan. By providing ideal conditions for development, we can ensure replicable high-quality bumblebee colonies.

At our facility in Michigan, our quality department uses state-of-the-art equipment to ensure that all our bumblebees are disease-free and safe for the natural outside environment. Additionally, we work and partner with the USDA, the Michigan Department of Ag­riculture and Rural Development, and Michigan State University Agricultural Department to certify that all of our tests and facilities meet the highest quality standards.

For over 35 years, Koppert has been at the forefront of bumblebee hive production, delivering a staggering 2 million hives per year to clients around the globe. This extensive output positions us as the largest producer of pollinators in the world. Our well-established operations and supply chain are fine-tuned to meet the highest standards of quality and reliability, reinforcing our reputation as the world's most dependable hive supplier. With decades of experience in the industry, our expertise is not merely a selling point—it's a guarantee. When you choose Koppert, you're partnering with the leader in sustainable pollination solutions backed by an unyielding commitment to excellence and reliability.