The art of the flap - how to teach bumblebees to walk through the flap
What will you learn here?
- We will explain how to teach the queen mother to pass through the protective flap
- We will explain how workers handle the flap and whether they need to learn how to use the flap
- We will try to convince you that bumblebees can handle the flap and that it is not that difficult
Last updated: 12/4/2022
Contents
What is the protective flap for and how does it work?
When to start using the protective flap and for how long?
How to teach a queen bumblebee mother to use the protective flap?
Workers born in the nest can handle the flap without training.
Protective flap and nest from Troubsko (Czech bumblebee)
Protective flap and male bumblebees (bumblebees)
Protective flap and bumblebees
What to do if bumblebees cannot handle the flap?
Maintenance of the protective flap
Final recommendations
What is a protective flap for and how does it work?
described the protective flap and its construction HERE
Let's repeat, however, that a protective flap is actually a light flap or trapdoor that covers the entrance to the hive (the entrance hole). The flap prevents bumblebee parasites from getting into the nest and harming the bumblebees there.
The flap ( lowered flap ) prevents the procession to the nest by the mother who accidentally finds it.
This happens mainly where the hive is placed on the ground. There, another mother can easily discover it while searching, because the dark surface of the entrance hole attracts her attention - she considers it to be the entrance to the nest of small rodents.
Therefore, we recommend placing the hives above the ground, at least at a height of 30 cm . There, the risk of accidental discovery is reduced. If you prefer self-settlement , it is a good idea to raise the hive to such a height .
We describe the location of the hive HERE .
Bumblebees quickly get used to having to lift the flap and slip under it. In addition, they have to go to their home or out to get food. After a while, they can safely walk along the pheromone-scented path to/from the hive.
The parasite does not have the strength to lift the flap properly (e.g. the dreaded bumblebee wasp or parasitic flies). Or it does have the strength to do so (wasps, hornets), but it does not have the "nerves" to learn and wait for it. It simply did not count on such an obstacle. It is the same with the mother bumblebee, which accidentally appears in a panic with the flap down. It does not know how to do it with the flap , so it "cannot do it" and flies away to look for something else without acquiring it.
You might be surprised, but when food is scarce, sometimes even the female workers of some bumblebee species will raid a neighboring natural nest. The protective flap can then hold them back.
Protective flap – entering rock bumblebee (Bombus lapidarius)
Photo http://www.wildbienen.de
In the next video you can see the real speed at which bumblebees pass through the protective flap – after they learn how to do it
Let's then describe how it all actually works.
In this video you can see the classic procession of a bumblebee through a protective flap - towards the hive.
The bumblebee sticks its head under the plastic flap, lifts it with its head and back and slips under it.
The bumblebee is used to the touch, if it were not, it would give up after a few attempts.
The speed is reduced so that it is possible to observe the essential details. The flap is equipped with polycarbonate sides for filming. One side is dismantled. The goal is to get a detailed view and understand how the bumblebees actually do it.
Here, a larger worker bumblebee (Bombus hypnorum) is lifting its flap
In the video you can see the classic procession of a bumblebee through the protective flap – towards the outside of the hive.
The bumblebee pushes its head against the flap where it can see light shining through.
If it pushes hard enough, the flap lifts, revealing light and a slit through which the bumblebee can slip.
The bumblebee is used to the touch of the valve; if it wasn't, it would give up after a few tries.
Here, a larger worker bumblebee (Bombus hypnorum) is lifting its flap
Sometimes bumblebees learn to walk under the flap upside down.
Apparently they do this all the time.
It is relatively common when leaving the hive, but sometimes they do it when entering the hive = they climb up the flap, their backs on the solid part of the flap
Here, a larger worker bumblebee (Bombus hypnorum) is lifting its flap
with worker bumblebees , as we will describe below .
It is important to teach the queen bee how to use the protective flap . To get her used to it, you need to gradually lower the protective flap.
To do this, you can use some of the possible solutions that we have described HERE.
Each of these solutions has its advantages.
If you buy a protective flap with an adjusting screw , adjust it so that the screw does not get in the way of bumblebees passing under the flap. It is much better to use two screws - on the sides of the inlet opening.
Solution for closing the flap – pin
Photo O. Hercog
Solution for closing the flap: screws,
set screws in the flap body
Photo O. Hercog (2019)
When to start and how long to use a protective flap
Most beginners understand the principles of the flap, but are afraid to use it . However, it is necessary to start early and endure the sight of the bumblebee trying to lift the flap and failing.
However, the flap needs to be used soon after the queen mother moves in or immediately after you place the developed nest in the hive (bumblebee). If after settling in there are worse weather conditions (frost, snow, prolonged rainfall), the "mother training" can be postponed.
Once you start using the trap, stick with it for the rest of the nest's life.
Please note that the protective flap protects :
- The nest, when the queen mother settles in or you settle it yourself - it will discourage other mothers who might show interest in the nest, attack the settled mother, injure her, or even kill her in a fight
- Nest, when the first generation of workers appears in the nest - the nest will be of interest to mother wasps, who seek out nests with the first or second generation of workers, i.e. nests that can easily overwhelm, kill the mother and enslave the workers
- Developed nests – parasites are interested in them, as well as other invaders who are interested in its inhabitants (the bee-eater, parasitic flies, parasitic wasps Melittiobia acasta, ...) but also in honey reserves (other bumblebees, wasps, bees ...)
The basic rule is: a protective flap only protects when the flap is down. So start using the flap as soon as possible and then until the end of the nest's life.
How to teach a queen bumblebee mother to use a protective flap
The valve needs to be closed gradually so that the mother gets used . It may take 2-7 days for the valve (moving part = valve ) to completely close.
It depends on various conditions, mainly on the activity and size of the queen. Larger species of bumblebees can do it faster, for example the ground bumblebee (Bombus terrestris), the rock bumblebee (Bombus lapdarius) – the flap is less of a burden for them. Smaller ones sometimes take longer, for example the field bumblebee (Bombus pascuorum), or the meadow bumblebee (Bombus pratorum).
Start training as soon as the mother returns reliably to the hive and spends the night there . She has already built a nest, laid her first eggs, and her instinct to return is strong.
In practice, it pays to start around the 3rd - 5th day after settling in. However, it should not be longer than 5-7 days after settling in.
Monitor the mother's movement/returns by observation , or even better by using a marker , see HERE
Don't forget to adjust the flap before installing the nut. This includes anti-slip tape on the flap body , black tape on the inside, white tape on the outside of the flap. It is also advisable to slightly roughen the rising part of the flap with fine scratches.
You can read about adjusting the flap HERE
Procedure:
- We start in the Open = the flap is up, the queen has settled in your hive.
- Lower the flap to a horizontal position.
Leave it like that for about 1 day. The mother will get used to landing on the garlic and not on the entrance hole, as she may have done before. - Lower the flap to a height of 10 – 15 mm (the space between the flap and the entrance hole).
Adjust the size according to the size of the queen bee – in this position of the flap, the queen must be able to comfortably pass under the flap without touching it with her back and wings.
Leave the flap like this for about 1 day. The queen will get used to having to crawl under the flap (without contact yet). - Lower the flap to a height of approximately 5-10 mm.
Adjust the size according to the size of the queen bee - in this position the queen already touches the flap with her back and wings when she passes under it.
This phase should last approximately 1-2 days. During this phase the queen must get used to her back rubbing against the flap, but she does not have to overcome significant resistance. - Once the mother gets used to the contact with the flap , she learns to lift the flap with her back and slide under it into the inlet hole, lower the flap bit by bit, to a height of about 1 - 2 mm.
This phase lasts again about 1-2 days. The mother gets used to having to lift the flap and she gets better at it with each attempt - The most challenging phase for the mother is the very last one, when there is only 1-2 mm left until the valve is completely closed and fully closed.
The mother must get used to having to put her head under the valve, lift the valve and slide under it.
Note:
* This step should be
done by the breeder when she has time to observe how the mother is coping with this phase *
We highly recommend checking this phase and adjusting the height of the valve as needed so that the mother can cope with the passage * Expect the mother to take a while – be patient and watch her - Leave the flap down and watch the queen make the passes.
It is a good idea to close the flap completely for the first time when the queen is in the hive , so that she lifts the fully closed flap for the first time when leaving the hive, not when arriving.
Just watch a few passes through the flap as proof that everything is fine. The queen is strong and will then be able to do it smoothly.
Yes, it is difficult to determine how fast to lower the valve and how much. It depends on the mother, and on the conditions, but also on the time you devote to it. Especially in the last phase, your presence and the possibility of intervention are necessary .
It is best if you can observe adjust the speed of lowering the valve accordingly . If it seems to you that the mother does not pass the valve repeatedly, go back a step and try again .
With each passage through the valve (valve), the mother gets used to it and copes better . As time goes by, her will to go through the valve becomes greater, because she is driven by her nesting instinct and concern for the fetus.
The startup phases are indicated in the following figures:
Protective flap lowering the flap using a clothespin Position
Open
Photo O. Hercog (2019)
Protective flap lowering the flap using a clothes peg
Closing the flap
Protective flap lowering the flap using a clothes peg
Closing the flap
Protective flap lowering the flap using a clothes peg
Closing the flap
Protective flap lowering the flap using a clothes peg
Flap with a Uhelon hinge
Flap closed
Photo O. Hercog (2019)
Recommendation
- The valve stroke is difficult for beginners to estimate. We therefore recommend making marks/lines on the sidewall to show them the position the valve is set to (see picture).
- Don't start training until the mother is used to staying in the hive and sleeping, as this may scare her.
- If weather conditions are bad , do not rush
- Don't start training too late , the protective flap also protects the mother from potential rivals who would like to settle in her hive.
- Take time to observe how the mother learns and adjust the speed of training based on how she is doing.
- When observing, sit next to the hive so that your position does not interfere with the mother's arrival. Once she has settled on the nest, you can get closer and observe her efforts
- Wear some inconspicuous colors for the observation, sit down, do not disturb her with unnecessary sudden movements
- If you see that the mother is not coping with the attempts, do not help her. Wait for her next behavior . If she repeatedly flies away (when she did not open the flap to return from the flight) or repeatedly climbs back into the hive (when she unsuccessfully tried to open the flap when trying to climb to the flight), go back a step in the training. She will try again in a while, in the situation she has learned. Leave her like this for a while and then continue more slowly with the next training.
- Don't worry, your mother will make it and you will too - enjoy these unforgettable moments
- ventilation closed throughout the training period.
- Keep the ventilation hole closed at all times and open it only after the first workers appear in the nest, they start to pass through the flap and the outside temperature rises above 20C
If you lower the flap (flap) too quickly (like in this video), the queen may get confused and start looking for another way into the hive.
But just lift the flap a little with the adjusting mechanism (pin/screw/…) and the queen will enter the hive. Once she can do this, continue lowering it gradually until it is fully closed.
If necessary, make a scale on the side of the damper. This will give you an idea of how high the damper flap is.
Markings on the side of the damper
Preparation – measuring the distance of the damper from the damper body
Markings on the side of the flap
Marking of flap positions
Markings on the side of the flap
Flap after assembly
Markings on the side of the flap,
a commercially produced flap from a Czech manufacturer that is not equipped with the recommended white tape on the outside.
Photo O. Hercog (2020)
Interesting fact:
- If a mother who was born here last year returns to the hive, she can remember the protective flap and lift it. Thanks to this, you can significantly shorten the training of such a "returning" mother, it is basically just the opposite of last year 😊
- It often happens that after changing the flap setting, the mother will make a small orientation flight – after she has climbed out of the hive, or if she did not lift the flap on the first try. This triggers the “change = search flight” reflex in her. Don’t be surprised by this, it is quite common.
You can observe the same phenomenon if you leave the flap closed and open it after a while – but do not try this during the mother’s training
In the following video, you can see how the mother gradually learns to pass through the protective flap. Here, she can already manage to contact her back with the moving part of the flap – the valve.
The mother has already completed the training and is successfully passing the flap.
Workers and nest-born mothers can handle the flap without training
The first generation workers are often small and will struggle a bit with the valve. But there are several of them in the nest, so they will help each other out – they will wait for each other.
If the workers pile up on the comb when returning to the nest, you can slightly lift the flap for them. The workers will gradually get used to the flap and their instinct will get them in/out of the hive.
If you have time for training, lift the flap for them, let them walk through the flap for a while in your presence. Then lower the flap.
You don't have to deal with workers from other generations at all; they will learn to lift the flap from their older sisters.
Mothers born in a hive do not need to be taught how to pass through the flap – they will try it themselves, or wait for the workers to open the flap for them. After a few passes, they will lift the flap themselves.
Notice
- When the first workers start to fly out of the nest, many novice beekeepers tend to open the trap again so that they don't "worry".
But this is a fundamental mistake. Leave the trap closed! - The sooner you leave it to the workers, the sooner they will get used to the flap and the better the flap will protect them.
- An open trap door for workers is a risk that a successfully established nest will disappear.
Every year we encounter such cases in our clinic, and only when the nest is destroyed does the beekeeper realize what he has caused with his benevolence.
Protective flap and nest from Troubsko (Czech bumblebee)
For nests purchased at www.ceskycmelak.cz, it is necessary to teach the workers to use the flap in a similar way to the queen = by gradually closing the flap. However, the entire learning process can be significantly shortened to 2-3 days, because there are more workers and they can handle it.
However, it is essential that the workers first find their way out of the hive (you transport them closed), only then can training begin.
Procedure
- Starting in the Open position = flap is up
- It does not want the workers to find their way out of the hive and make a reconnaissance flight.
This can take up to 24 hours, because the workers have a food supply in the hive and do not have to rush out - Then continue the same procedure as for training the mother.
Overall, however, training should not take longer than 3-5 days (depending on the conditions and size of the workers). - If the workers don't manage to get through the flap or lift it right away, don't despair and give them time.
- Adjust the speed of the procedure according to the results of the observations
- Leave the ventilation hole closed and open it only after the first workers appear in the nest, they start to pass through the flap and the outside temperature rises above 20C
Protective flap and males (trumpets)
Males do not need to learn to use the flap. Once they leave the nest, they fly away into the wild, do not conduct an orientation flight, and never return to the hive.
If they do find one (males born here or other males), they will just search around the hive and wait for the mothers to come – they will not try the flap.
Protective flap and patchouli
can deter intruders, including queen bees, from entering the hive . However, if a bee is not deterred and waits by the flap, with a little luck it will wait until a worker opens it. The bee then has a chance to enter the hive and crawl through the slightly open flap.
Here, a heavier flap is a definite advantage, which reduces the chance of penetration. But as always, greater security is a nuisance. It's the same as having 3 locks on a door that provide better protection, but make it a nuisance to open.
So, although you may read that lighter flaps are sufficient and a heavier bee will still lift it, we believe that a hive should have a heavier flap rather than a lighter one - the risk of the parasite penetrating it is lower . There is no other effective protection against bee stings, and we do not recommend it for beginners.
The photograph by J. Frantl shows the unsuccessful attempts of a woodpecker to enter the nest. Here the flap served well.
In the photo by L. Vettermanová, there is a Czech bumblebee. Unfortunately, it managed to penetrate the hive, kill the mother bumblebee and enslave the remaining workers. The mother settled in early April 2019, but in early June the nest was attacked by a bumblebee.
The flap reduces bumblebee attacks , but they sometimes get into the hive. However, this is not a reason to eliminate the bumblebees , and Lenka did not do it either - thank you, Lenko!
Bumblebees also have their importance in nature, let's please respect them. They are much more endangered than bumblebees themselves.
Learn more about the Pachmula HERE
You will read there that bumblebees are interested in the nest of a bumblebee in its initial state, but sometimes in a developed nest full of workers. Each species of bumblebee has a different strategy.
Bumblebees PLUS – Vestal Bumblebee (Psithyrus vestalis)
Photo J. Frantl (2019)
Bumblebees PLUS – Bohemian Bumblebee (Psithyrus bohemicus)
Photo L. Vettermanová (2019)
L
What to do if bumblebees can't handle the flap
We have experience (and our own) that this problem is mostly in the head of the novice beekeeper. He does not have the experience , nerves and time to teach bumblebees to use the flap. Often he just can't stand it when the bumblebee goes through the flap and wants to deal with it right away.
So be patient, follow the steps described. Every bumblebee queen will eventually learn to work with the flap, it's just a matter of time and the patience of the keeper.
Other problems and their solutions
- The flap does not move smoothly – the flap is not aligned horizontally (in both axes) = use a spirit level and align it
- The flap does not move smoothly – the flap is not well made, is crooked or is attached asymmetrically –> adjust the flap
- The flap does not move smoothly – the hinge is worn out –> repair the flap
- All of the above is ok, but the mother cannot open the flap –> open the flap a little and repeat the last steps of the training
- All of the above is ok, but the worker is unable to open the valve –> wait for the other workers, they will help each other together, or the smaller one will wait for the larger one to open the valve
Protective flap full of pollen grains
Photo J. Černý (2019)
Final recommendations
- Teach your bumblebees to use a protective flap – it protects them in the nest
- Be strict with yourself and manage your unnecessary worries about the bumblebees having trouble with the flap – it's like with small children, they too have to learn to walk on their own – with your help, but on their own.
- Do not join the ranks of those who do not use the flap in an attempt to avoid disturbing the bumblebees, thereby almost certainly causing the destruction of the nest in an otherwise good hive
- Take the time to regularly check and maintain the flap. Even a good flap can get stuck or not close properly, leaving the way open for parasites and bumblebee enemies.
- Enjoy the moments and observations as you teach bumblebees to pass through the protective flap.