Bumblebees PLUS news archive

21/11/2022

Didn't have time to attend our first Čmeláčí PLUS Slet 2022? If you didn't make it, at least check out our website, where you can find a report from the event 

24/10/2022

We are working on preparing the Čmeláčí PLUS Rally 2022. We opened registration today. 

We prepared the Gathering as the first meeting of bombusophiles, i.e. enthusiasts and bumblebee lovers.

The conference will feature short lectures on the topic of bumblebees, their protection, and the protection of their environment. You will also hear about bees and their diversity, nature conservation projects, experiences and work with youth in Germany, and much more.

To cover more of the areas that interest you and that you have written about, the program will also include discussion groups led by lecturers.

We definitely want to use the meeting to get to know each other and have an informal discussion.

Date: Saturday, November 5, 2022
Timetable: program from 11:00 to 17:00, followed by discussion groups and a free program
Venue: Klub Na Věnečku, Ostrovského 38a, 150 00 Prague 5 Smíchov
* Coordinates on the map: 50.067886, 14.395403
* Link: HERE 
* The venue is a 10-minute walk from the Metro B station - exit Na Knížecí (Women's Homes)
Transport: public transport/own means of transport.
* Parking is not provided, for those outside Prague it is recommended to use P+R and public transport
* You can park in adjacent streets in blue zones, or Public parking spaces – see Internet
* Information about parking in Prague can also be found here: https://parking.praha.eu/cs/moznosti-parkovani-v-praze/
Catering: lunch and refreshments will be prepared on site after prior ordering, drinks of your choice on site
Registration: fill out the attached form, which you can find HERE
* at the same time you will find information there on how to send your participation fee and choose refreshments according to your taste.
* The participation fee will be used as a share of the costs of the Meeting

Registration and payment of the participation fee are a condition for participation in the Meeting.

Come by – we look forward to seeing you and buzzing!

Please do not forget to register in advance, no later than 31/10/2022.
Your Bumblebees PLUS

18/10/2022

We have fixed the about us page , where we accidentally lost the entire side menu with codes, media promotion results and recommendations for manufacturers. At the same time, we have opened the last "dumb" section ČM PLUS EVENTS . Because we have already had many events and more and more ahead of us. We will gradually publish here not only the current upcoming event, but also our long-term projects that we are working on. And in time, we will also include those that have already been implemented so that after the battle every follower can be a general 🙂 … Because our scope is no longer limited to sharing information on the internet…

13/9/2022

We have prepared an updated set of leaflets to promote bumblebees and their protection. You can download the leaflets HERE or HERE

7/9/2022

Dear friends,
as we have previously announced, the Bumblebee PLUS Association plans to organize the event "Bumblebee PLUS RACE 2022" in the fall.
The goal is to bring together enthusiasts involved in bumblebees, their protection, and the protection of their living conditions.

BASIC PROGRAM:
* Lectures/seminars on the topic of bumblebees
* Lectures on the topic of bumblebees and nature and environmental protection
* Getting to know each other within the community of enthusiasts and establishing cooperation
* Presentation of products for bumblebee breeders
* Other topics of interest
* Informal discussions

ROUGH TIMETABLE:
* Start – Saturday afternoon
* End – Saturday early evening (to be able to fly home to the nest)

VENUE OF THE MEETING
* Will be specified according to interest
* We assume a space in a place that will be easily accessible by transport
Since this is the first meeting, we would like to ask you to confirm your interest. We will plan the space and scope of the meeting based on the results.
If you are interested in participating, please fill out the attached brief survey - you will help us prepare the event.
You can also get involved and help with the preparation of the meeting and introduce surveys.

Thank you for completing the survey :

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeE2IMJP2QJ8tNIsb_k2rnf4Lui3maQ3jSCooKNorK0NoUN8Q/viewform?usp=sf_link

We look forward to seeing you!

Bumblebees PLUS
#cmelaciplusslet2022

6/9/2022

We were buzzing on the radio waves again, this time on Radio Wave. You can listen to the recording HERE

11/7/2022

The second part of the conversation with Dagmar and Petr on Podcast 42, this time titled "On the collision of a bumblebee with business and other conversations" can be found HERE

27/6/2022

The first episode of the conversation with Dagmar and Petr on Podcast 42, entitled "I love bumblebees, therefore I am", can be found HERE

7/6/2022

You have recently expressed interest in stickers from the Čmeláci PLUS zs association. As a non-profit organization, we cannot and do not want to sell anything. However, you can receive stickers from us as a thank you for your financial donation to support our activities.

If you send us an amount of at least 250 CZK to the account 123-5802630277 / 0100, you will receive two federal stickers from us by mail.
In the message for the recipient, please include the word DAR and your name. At the same time, please send your name and address to the email info@cmelaciplus.cz

Upon request, we can also issue you a receipt for the donation.

Your financial contribution will be used for the operation and development of the website www.cmelaciplus.cz, patches for members of the Bumblebee Fast Company, the Bumblebee PLUS Seedbed, information leaflets, but also newly prepared projects.
We will be happy if you help us in this way in what we do. You will support our projects for the protection and promotion of bumblebees and at the same time education and nature conservation.
Thank you! Bumblebee PLUS zs

Association Stickers – 2022

20/5/2022

Čmeláci PLUS participated in the filming of the program Weekend – Green Heroes. We were invited there by Milan and the project of Komerční banka as.

You can find the show in the TV Nova archive HERE (time 21:45)

29/3/2022

After consulting with wool experts, we have adjusted the procedure for washing sheep's fleece. Now the wool is better fluffed. The procedure is HERE

19/3/2022

It took us a long time, but we have published a new page that concerns bumblebee breeding, or rather the fight against the parasitic wasp (Aphomia sociella). The page describes the use of the "miracle product" and the corresponding negatives. Therefore, our recommendation is very cautious.

You can find the page HERE

12/3/2022

The start of the season is approaching and the nervousness of beekeepers is increasing. Many beginners can't stand it and want to place their hives outside. But when is the right time? We have prepared a new page where we will give beekeepers guidelines on which they can make a decision. The page is HERE .

8/3/2022

Are you getting ready for the season? We have a (old) novelty for you that we want to test. It is an alternative to the net under the hive. The goal is to remove some of the moisture that sometimes bothers the nest. You can read about this solution HERE .

23/2/2022

We have already written about the seal here, but we are returning to it again. We offer a small modification that increases safety and comfort. You can find the description HERE

12/2/2022

It almost seems like we've been hibernating, but it's been the exact opposite. We're publishing new posts Facebook (META) Čmeláci PLUS

Today we are releasing 2 new and one modified page:
* We have separately described the issue of thermal insulation and heating of the hive for bumblebees
* We have also modified the page with a description of thermal insulation outside the hive shell. There we find the best thermal insulation properties
* We have also created a new page where we describe our solution for heating the hive, including precise temperature control

31/1/2022

For beekeepers and designers who want to make their own hive, we have prepared a complete guide to making a polystyrene hive. You can find the page HERE

17/1/2022

Another species of bumblebee has its own page on our website. This time it is the wood bumblebee (Bombus lucorum). You may find that it is not always possible to reliably determine the species of bumblebee and why this is the case. You can find the page HERE
Many thanks to Alice and Monika for patiently correcting our language "grammar blunderers"!

7/1/2022

We are gradually updating our instructions on the website. We have now updated the page on how to obtain bumblebees in the Czech Republic. You can find the page HERE
If you want to buy bumblebees (we do not recommend it), ask the seller for documents on the origin of the bumblebees.

Prevent the release of hybrid bumblebees intended for pollination into our nature! 

PF2022

Happy New Year 2022!

We entered the New Year as the Bumblebee PLUS Association.

16/12/2021

And here is another page about bumblebee species, this time dedicated to the abundant, yet interesting, species, the ground bumblebee (Bombus terrestris) . You will also find comparisons with other species that are similar to it and with which it can be confused.

8/12/2021

After a long time, we have returned to work on the bumblebee catalog. I have prepared a page for you with our mascot – the field bumblebee (Bombus pascuorum). We will also continuously update this page with our/your shots.

15/11/2021

The Bumblebee PLUS Seed Farm already has 70+ types of honey plant seeds. At the same time, we have added a link to an interesting lecture by Ing. Kateřina Smékalová, Ph.D.

11/10/2021 

We are starting the Bumblebee PLUS Seedbed!
If you have any seeds of honey plants and are having a problem with "what to do with them", check out our new website Bumblebee PLUS Seedbed .
We are starting gradually by collecting seeds for storage. We look forward to your contributions of seeds that you want to share with others.

19/9/2021

We invite you to the Calla Association's online seminar "About Bumblebees and People".
Information on how to join can be found HERE

27/8/2021

On Saturday 28/8, listen to the Natura program on Czech Radio PLUS. It is a discussion on the topic of "pollination service and bumblebees in the Czech Republic".
The recording can be found HERE

24/8/2021

The much-needed and discussed methodology of the Ministry of the Environment for the use of bumblebees for pollination service is here. A link to it, along with other materials, can be found HERE.
At the same time, you will also find a link to the media that has recently covered this topic with a tabloid headline that has caused quite a stir.

3/8/2021

Today we are publishing a new page of our catalogue, which describes the first bumblebee – the vestal bumblebee (Bombus vestalis).
Hopefully, getting to know it better will help rehabilitate the bumblebee in the eyes of the public. You will see for yourself how beautiful it is and how complex its life is. The bumblebee also has its place in nature and deserves our attention and protection.
You can find a page about it HERE

26/7/2021

Work on the catalog of bumblebee species continues - we are publishing a page about the rock bumblebee (Bombus lapidarius). You can find the page HERE

25/7/2021

"The world is full of clever and diligent Czechs who like to claim their nationality and it is important for them to pass on their culture and language to their children. The network of Czech schools is expanding rapidly around the world, some children stay abroad, others return to Bohemia, but they have one thing in common, they learn to understand where they come from - this has been the case here in Frankfurt for 10 years! Nature conservation knows no borders and can be beautifully and meaningfully connected with language learning. "
This is how Anička Hlaváčková writes about a school project in which children were introduced to the world of bumblebees. You can read about this project, as well as others, HERE

24/7/2021

On Seznam Zprávy article "Pollinate and die! The Ministry prepared a bumblebee massacre" You can find the article and our reaction to it HERE

20/7/2021

After two years, we are publishing an article from our Facebook page Čmeláci PLUS on our website. It is an interesting topic that is repeatedly discussed and it is a bumblebee HOAX = unfounded alarmist report.
To set things straight and to disabuse many of you, read the article Murderous lime trees ? You will find an explanation there of why we are again finding dead or dying bumblebees under lime trees. Maybe the explanation will surprise you and you will share this news with others.

17/7/2021

As we promised, we are working on a catalogue of bumblebee species. We want to introduce the individual species and supplement the descriptions with information that may be useful to everyone – those interested in nature, breeders, but also clubs and schools. We will gradually add interesting photographs and details from taxonomy to these pages.
Therefore, do not be surprised that the pages are alive and will grow, like a bumblebee nest.
The first one we want to introduce to you is the beautiful meadow bumblebee (Bombus pratorum) . I hope you will like it – it is our catalogue.

30/6/2021

Today we are releasing a chapter of information about the killer wasp Melittobia acasta. This time it will be about how to recognize it when your scare hits and also whether it is always really final.

22/6/2021

We are a little worried about Antivirus AVAST, it reports problems on the website. We are trying to solve it.
We have released a new page about the killer wasp Melittobia acasta and its effect on the nest. We are completing the follow-up part, where we will describe how to destroy an attacked nest or try to save it.

16/6/2021

Money doesn't stink, so laboratory hybrid bumblebees are spreading into the wild... oh my

https://budejovice.rozhlas.cz/antonin-pelisek-cmelaci-8514137

16/6/2021

If you think we are neglecting the website, check out our Facebook page Čmeláci PLUS and Čmeláci PLUS – Discussion forum, why?
We have an online consultation there, and most importantly, lots of Čmeláčí Rychlé Rota events.

Also watch the video series on YouTube Čmeláci PLUS
We have now added a small bug - Lenka Vettermanová's cooling frame and our alternative solution

5/5/2021

a bumblebee game for us and especially for you . We published it in the Bumblebees PLUS at School section.

27/4/2021

On YouTube Čmeláci PLUS you will find a new video where we describe the meadow bumblebee. We are adding videos to the chapter on bumblebee species in the Czech Republic .

20/4/2021

We've added another bumblebee medallion, this time about the rock bumblebee .

18/4/2021

Check out the updates from the last week. We have added to the Bumblebees PLUS at School section 

We are constantly updating our instructions. These are not fundamental changes, but the changes reflect new experiences and respond to your questions. For example, we have now updated the instructions for using the protective flap .

Also check out our YouTube videos Bumblebees PLUS. There you will find videos in which we describe the mothers of the basic bumblebee species: the ground bumblebee and the field bumblebee . We will be adding videos continuously.

10/4/2021

We have updated the first page and opened a brand new section for children (and adults) – Bumblebees PLUS at school . We want to introduce them to the beauty of bumblebees, their importance, and protection by offering games, coloring books, and educational materials for schools, kindergartens, and parents. Because as we know, bumblebees are just getting started :). The first materials on offer are coloring books and puzzles from our colleague Jana Lörinczová .

1/4/2021

We have added the procedure for placing the queen in the hive . We have added new video text. You can also find the videos on YouTube Cmelaci PLUS

22/2/2021

We have revised the pages describing how to prepare the hive for the season . There are some minor changes compared to last season. For example, after experience with large nests, we no longer recommend using moss. It sometimes tends to rot.

21/2/2021

We have published a page describing basic informatics and the issue of thermal insulation of beehives (bumblebees). There we also describe the modification of the hive with the aim of improving its thermal insulation (we are testing the hive and will continue to test it during the 2021 season).
You can find the page HERE

14/2/2021

We have edited the page describing the return of mothers to their natal nests . We have clarified some passages to make them more understandable.

9/2/2021

We have opened new pages of the bumblebee medallion . Here you will gradually find information about people who are involved in the promotion and protection of bumblebees in the Czech Republic.

7/2/2021

We are gradually reviewing and updating some pages. We are incorporating new experiences into them. We are currently releasing a new page that will help you find a suitable place for placing a beehive in your garden . You will also find examples of technical solutions that you will need .

25/1/2021

Have you purchased an unsuitable bee sting and are wondering what to do next? On our website you will find updated information about products that we do not recommend , as well as an example of how to modify a commercially produced bee sting if you cannot return it .

21/1/2021

Are you wondering how to populate your hive with bumblebees at the beginning of the season? You will definitely find our updated text on ways to get bumblebees for your hive useful .

11/1/2021

We have published a new page on bumblebee predators and the first post on it about the hawksbills . These are interesting birds that have a specific way of hunting and especially storing their prey.

7/1/2020

If you make your own beehives (bumblebees) for beehives or modify purchased ones, you will find the new page about materials for ventilation nets .

We wish everyone a Happy New Year 2021. Above all, let's wish you health, because without it, everything else is impossible.

We look forward bumblebee season with you

19/12/2020

We took advantage of the invitation of bee promoter Mr. Jiří Cafouk and the Bee Guard to a seminar about bumblebees. Our joint beekeeping was filmed and is available on YouTube Čmeláci PLUS .

8/12/2020

We have prepared another page for you. On it we will share examples of your gardens, adapted to coexist with bumblebees and nature.
If you have examples of where you have gone beyond the boundaries of a regular flower bed and created space for nature, share them with others.
New pages about you and your gardens can be found HERE .

2/12/2020

Flowery meadows are now in full swing. You can read about meadows, their importance, how to promote them in your village/city, but also how and what to watch out for, HERE .
At the same time, we have created a space for sharing good examples in your area. This part of our website also serves as a plaque of honor, but also as motivation for your councilors: "They are moving with the times in their neighbors, and what are we waiting for?".
Don't be afraid to promote change in your area and show off a positive example!
The Bumblebee plaque of honor is ready for you HERE .

23/11/2020

Thanks to the invitation of the production team of the Herbář program, we had the opportunity to film a short program and introduce bumblebees and Čmeláky PLUS in it. The program can be seen in the ČT1 Herbář Archive HERE
As always, not everything could fit into the program and there is a story attached to it. If you are interested in how the whole program came about and the stories from the filming, take a look HERE

11/11/2020

Christmas is approaching and many people interested in breeding bumblebees may decide to "go for it". Choosing a suitable hive (bumblebee colony) is one of the things that determines future success. That is why we have prepared a list of examples of commercially available hives on our website, which we definitely do not recommend purchasing.
It would be easier to write a list of recommended manufacturers. However, this would violate the principle of our independence and healthy competition. This forces manufacturers to come up with innovations and reduces the final price of the product. This is also a help for bumblebees and breeders, and that is why we have chosen this path.
We will gradually correct pages with unsuitable products as we discover other bad examples (we will add to our list), or, conversely, manufacturers adjust their products due to market pressure (we will remove them from our list).
You can also help us with such work - write to us at info@cmelaciplus.cz about products that you do not like.
You can find a page of unsuitable commercially available hives HERE

7/11/2020
We are starting to publish the modifications tested this year. They can be small things, such as a canopy over the protective flap. If you have the time and desire, take a look at the modifications and try to make such a canopy yourself

30/10/2020

If you missed the broadcast of Czech Radio PLUS, where there was a short program about bumblebees on 30/10, listen to it from the recording time 7:25 

12/10/2020

We had a website outage since the end of last week, but everything is now OK and we are continuing to work on the website.

10/10/2020

Finally, the peace in the hives allowed us to devote a little information about the life of bumblebees. Their long-time expert and observer Jaromír Čížek sent us a text about the wintering of bumblebee queens , one of those periods of their lives that are kept secret from humans.

We recommend it :), because it's information you can hardly find anywhere else.

1/10/2020

It seems like we've been sleeping and lazing around. But we have important and quite extensive posts for you about the end of the bumblebee season, about cleaning and tidying up the hive.

At the same time, you will read a very interesting description of how to read from an empty hive at the end of the season , what you can learn there and what lessons you can gain there.

Also visit the YouTube channel Čmeláci PLUS, where there are many videos about bumblebees.

26/6/2020

We have a lot of work to do around the Čmekáčí Rychlá Rota right now. Most of the rescue calls are handled by our fans on Facebook, where they quickly gather dust.

However, we have created a place on our front page for challenges from those of you who are not fans of social media. So keep an eye on the page so that you don't miss out on saving your nests .

Two articles about Rota have been published – in Culina Botanica and on Prima Living . You might like them.

9/6/2020

We have added stories from members of the Bumblebee Rapid Rota . These are authentic stories and perspectives from those who experienced it.

8/6/2020

We have opened pages on the website where we will describe the care of the hive and its inhabitants e . we were the first to publish there the checks that are carried out inside the hive . Checks, together with protective elements, are part of the care of the hive so that the bumblebees in the hive thrive.
Because some people find checks a problem and are worried about them, the pages are quite detailed. We still want to work on them and supplement them with visual documentation. The whole thing should help novice beekeepers and make checks as easy as possible.

We understand that for some people, hive inspections are a problem. It is up to you whether you use them or let your own experience convince you of their importance.  

3/6/2020

We have opened another page of the Bumblebee Fast Company. You will find a list of bumblebee nest rescuers and examples of rescue missions .
Will your name appear here? If you want to get involved, follow the Bumblebee PLUS Facebook page. Today we found a nest rescuer in 17 minutes..

29/5/2020

We were missing one rather important guide for bumblebee keepers in the instructions on the website, but it is no longer missing.
So if you need instructions on when and how to ventilate a hive with bumblebees , just read the instructions.

We will soon add tips on how to reduce humidity in the hive and whether it is actually necessary.

26/5/2020

We have prepared a chapter for you about the parasitic wasp (Aphomia sociella). Sometimes the name of this parasite is given as the bumblebee wasp.
It is not a nice read, just as it is not a nice attack on a nest by this enemy of bumblebees. However, if you read this chapter, you will understand why and how this moth behaves and how to recognize that it has attacked a hive with bumblebees.
Thanks to this, you can better prevent it and prevent the destruction of the nest.

23/5/2020

We found a beautiful website from the Museum of the Earth in NY. There are also beautiful websites dedicated to all things bee .

We have added links to interesting information sources .

 20/5/2020

The time of the Aphomia moth is approaching and many beekeepers do not have their ventilation adjusted according to our recommendations. Adjusting an occupied hive is already difficult, so we have described additional ventilation adjustment of commercially available hives as part of the gadgets. It is not difficult, try it yourself and see.

18/5/2020

Today we received information about the discovery of a bumblebee nest for evacuation and within 15 minutes someone was found interested in it.
Everything is going so fast that the savior of the nest will be found very quickly. We offer them on Facebook, in case you are interested, it is really easy there and 1-2 done

Patches with the logo for bumblebee rescuers are waiting for you too..

15/5/2020

We have opened a new section on the website SOS! Bumblebee Nest in an Inappropriate Place with a section describing the Bumblebee Rapid Rota .

We have also added interesting information about cooperation with the Regional Fire Department.
In the chapter, we have also added a leaflet with contacts for Rota .

14/5/2020

We have opened a new section on the website SOS! Bumblebee nest in an inappropriate place .

This section should provide you with information and help if you have bumblebee neighbors moving in and you feel threatened – you and your children. You will also find help there if you find a bumblebee nest that is in danger – for example, it has been dug up by a dog, or is threatened by a building renovation, etc.
The section will soon include information about the Bumblebee Quick Rota rescue team. There you will learn what to do if it is really necessary to evacuate a threatened bumblebee nest and, if necessary, how to get involved in such a rescue yourself.

10/5/2020

We were given the opportunity to appear on Czech Television and present bumblebees and our work in an interview.
The program is available here (you will find 4 parts there). Hopefully we succeeded and helped the bumblebees.

30/4/2020

We are opening another part of our help for insects in gardens. This time with an article about nightshades. They are beautiful herbs, easy to grow. There are also garden varieties with decorative leaves. Nightshades are ideal for otherwise deaf 🙂 places under trees, bushes. So take a look …

26/4/2020 

• On Saturday, April 25, we filmed an interview and videos in Prague 5 with editors from Praha TV
• The material was cut a lot... but thank you anyway 
• Hopefully, we managed to arouse interest in bumblebees and guide those interested to a group that can say something about bumblebees and give those interested in bumblebees the ability to give functional suggestions
• You can find the report HERE

25/4/2020

bumblebee parasites are appearing . It is good to look at bumblebees and tell yourself what can / cannot be done with these parasites and how to protect yourself from them.

23.4.2020 

• Not every bumblebee is the same. Don't buy non-native species suitable only for greenhouses - The topic of hybrid bumblebees has also reached other media
• The Bumblebees PLUS group was listed as one of the entities that draws attention to these bumblebees and dishonest sales
• The report is available HERE 

17/4/2020 The media has shown interest in our work and findings

• An article was published in Ekolist.cz describing the practices of a dishonest seller and his sale of hybrid bumblebees intended for work in greenhouses to gardeners and those who want to do something for nature
• You can find the article HERE

15/4/2020

We have not forgotten about our website, we have just been and are still working on it. Many breeders are now troubled by questions like: "Is the mother there? What is she doing there? Isn't she strange that she doesn't fly?"
So let's see what it is like and what the mother does in the nest after settling in .
Be sure to read the text and, most importantly, stay calm and let the mothers work - everything will be fine.

8/4/2020

We have returned to a unfortunately still current topic, which is the dishonest sale of bumblebees intended for work in greenhouses and enclosed spaces . Do you know that this is not only a threat to nature, but that it also carries the risk of penalties for those who buy such bumblebees and do not have a permit from the Regional Office?
We will be happy if you pass this information on to other clients of the Seller, or to your friends - those interested in such bumblebees.

Bumblebees for pollination service in greenhouses
Photo website Bumblebee seller

 7/4/2020

We are gradually adding new videos to our posts. Thanks to this, you will find a demonstration of a search flight with a visit to fake holes in the ground . If you use this, you will be sure that the queen mother is really searching for a nesting site and that you can catch her very easily and, most importantly, gently.
We have also added other videos to the instructions for using the flap, for example HERE
More videos are available on YouTube bumblebees PLUS , where we are constantly adding them.

In the instructions for settling in the mother , we have highlighted important information:

• Do not transport the mother from a distance - you can accidentally capture a nesting mother and weaken the population at the capture site, and her offspring may not find suitable breeding partners at the site where you nest her = breeding would lose its meaning without the next generation.
• It is best to capture the queen near the hive, or within a 10-15 minute walk . This reduces the time the queen is stressed and from such a distance the queen can return to where you captured her (she will not find her nesting site from more than 3km away).

30/3/2020

Some products we come across are getting us and their manufacturers/sellers simply do not help breeders or nature... There is nothing we can do, so we are opening the pages "Where the Road Leads" .
Here we will warn you about things that do not work and yet someone will want to sell them to you.
We were the first to publish the post Unsuitable trapping set . Here you can read about a possible source of problems when introducing a bumblebee queen into a hive. This source is the small diameter of the introducer, which is sold by the largest seller of bumblebee products in the Czech Republic. We do not know why he does this, probably to increase profits. His previous set was ok. Hopefully he will return to it again.

29/3/2020

We are currently working a lot on bumblebee advice, the cold days are taking a toll on all of us. However, thanks to inquiries, we have added and clarified the procedures for protecting hives (bumblebees) from severe night frosts .

24/3/2020
We often deal with questions about how to help bumblebees that people find sitting on the ground in the spring.
We already wrote about it in the post . But now we have prepared an information leaflet , which can be shared electronically, or downloaded and distributed in paper form. There are actually two leaflets, here is the second one so you can choose.
Thank you for sharing the instructions, you will definitely help at least a few bumblebees and if they are mothers, you will give them a chance to establish nests and raise offspring.

We help bumblebees and nature – Bumblebees PLUS – Large flyer

We are gradually supplementing the instructions and procedures so that they help you. Thank you for your responses and questions, thanks to them we correct what is unclear.
As an example, we present a video instruction for introducing a queen mother into a hive . This is an addition to the procedure for placing a queen in a hive .
The video instruction is part of the bumblebee YouTube channel Čmeláci PLUS.

21/3/2020

The first spring day of the 2020 season was a blast. We have summarized instructions and procedures for how breeders can respond to temperature changes. 
Hopefully, it will get warmer and these instructions will no longer be needed this year. However, last year it was very cold at the beginning of May and we dealt with similar things. We recommend again – equip the shelter with thermal insulation and remember that sometimes it is necessary to move it indoors to protect its inhabitants.

15/3/2020

The season is starting, we are now doing a lot of online work on FB Čmeláci PLUS.
We are adding a lot of videos on the YouTube channel Čmeláci PLUS
We have added important information that is sometimes forgotten - align the shock to the horizontal plane - this can affect the function of ... the flaps

11/3/2020

We have prepared a very important chapter for breeders describing the procedure for teaching bumblebees to pass through the protective flap of the hive (bumblebee). This is a very important chapter, because quite often the bumblebees can handle the training, but not their breeder.
If the breeder does not have the nerve to do it, they leave the flap open and the nest is destroyed by the bumblebee parasites. Hopefully, our instructions, procedures and videos will be useful to you.

3/3/2020

We have opened a new section "How to protect bumblebees in the landscape and nature". As the first post, we have placed "bumblebee first aid" , which you can use in the spring.
It is not only about help, but also a little about hibernation and whether to help bumblebees in the spring, when and how.

 2/3/2020

We decided to do a little non-commercial knowledge competition. The first three of you who correctly answer the question “What's in the bag?” (in the picture) and write that you want it (meaning what you guessed) will receive it (by mail).

So if you know and want to compete, write your answers to info@cmelaciplus.cz and include “COMPETITION – What's in the bag?” in the subject line.

The competition deadline is 3/3/2020 at noon, or until the number of winners is reached.

Competition 3/2020

28/2/2020

We celebrated our 1st birthday. Čmeláci PLUS launched their FB page 28/2/2019 🙂

Bumblebee Birthday
Photo Internet

28/2/2020

We have added a description and a list of possible solutions for raising and lowering the flap , i.e. the moving part of the hive's protective flap (bumblebee), to the set of basic information and instructions.

26/2/2020

Today we have prepared two chapters. The first describes additional hive insulation .
The second chapter is a help for successful beekeepers who have young queens returning to their natal hive after last season and want to settle there . Such lucky ones will find advice and consultations useful so that they are not unhappy in the end.

We have also added an interesting video to the description of the bumblebee life cycle.

25/2/2020

We are opening the gardening chapter How to establish a flowery meadow - an element that our gardens should have. In the photos you can see how the meadow is gradually taking shape.

24/2/2020

In the chapter dealing with the first steps after the queen settles, we add a discussion of how to recognize by signs that the queen is living in the hive and is flying out of the hive.

22/2/2020

We have added an example of a possible solution for protection against ants to
the ground screw stand solution We have created pages describing other options for ventilation of the hive with a parasite trap .
You will also find surprisingly simple solutions to improve the safety of the hive inhabitants.

21/2/2020

We have added to the Ventilation chapter a ventilation scheme according to Mr. Stuchl, supplemented with a sticky layer = ventilation with a sticky trap.
We have added to the breeder's tools a photo of the inserter case , thanks to which the mother will be in the inserter in the dark and calm = less stressed.

19/2/2020

We have opened a very important chapter on the establishment of the queen mother in the hive . It is long, but intentionally so. It summarizes a lot of experience from our own practice and from supporting beginners. Thanks to this, you now have a detailed guide that will make it easier for you to start your first season with bumblebees.

We have also linked our Facebook (FB) Pages and website. Now even those who are not fans of social networks will find out what we write on our FB pages Čmeláci PLUS and what they may not find here on the website. In the future, however, we also want to save important articles from FB to the website so that you don't miss anything important.

16/2/2020

We are entering the next phase of work on FB and have opened the Season Begins .

The first chapter describes how the queen bee searches for places to settle. It is essential to safely recognize her search flight . That is why we have described it and given specific (video) examples.
Beginners often make mistakes and try to settle a queen bee that is not yet or is no longer looking for a nesting site. The description and videos will help you become masters at recognizing the mother's behavior - it will come in handy.
We save the videos to the YouTube channel Čmeláci PLUS - watch them directly. If you subscribe, you will have an overview of what interesting things we have added for you.

14/2/2020

We have completed the page about tools ( Tools for breeders ). Here you will find additional information and videos to illustrate the topics described.

12/2/2020

We are opening a new main section where we will try to help those who have at least a tiny garden or a piece of space to plant plants, so that their garden can also be a small oasis for insects and other animals of our nature.

9/2/2020

We have added a description of the solution to the Gadgets section, how to make a stand from a ground screw . Thanks to the hobby market, it's not that complicated at all, and with a drill you can do it in no time.

We also added some tweaks to what might be bothering you – a small detail and improvement to the hive legs . If you use this, your legs (on the hive) will be as strong as ever and will last longer.

Then we added and opened the FAQ list (frequently asked questions for beginners). Like every year, people ask us how to make a hive and we explain to them that it all starts with the hive and that our primary goal is to support bumblebees, then their breeding and then DIY. Someone always gets mad at us for this, but it just confirms that this approach has its merits. 🙂

7/2/2020

We have started preparing a selection of articles for you in the Interesting Facts about the Life of Bumblebees section. 

We were the first to add a freely translated article from www.sciencedaily.com , which contains an abstract of a scientific paper investigating the methods and economics of heavy-weight (nectar-laden) flight of bumblebees. The video accompanying the article is worth watching, so we have also placed it on the Bumblebees PLUS YouTube channel.

6/2/2020

We are gradually filling the page about tools for breeders . The page is not finished, but we have added information on tweezers, a catch, a feeder and a red light, which will be useful to you as breeders.

5/2/2020

We are gradually adding to our posts and linking them together. For example, now you can find related videos from our YouTube channel Čmeláci PLUS the Klapka and Výstelka .

We have added an update from the FB Čmeláci PLUS. In it, we once again draw attention to the fact that non-native species (or subspecies) of bumblebees are being sold in the Czech Republic, which are intended for pollination service and are not intended for release into the wild . The text of the article from the FB Čmeláci PLUS can be found HERE .

4/2/2020

We have created and started filling out a page about tools for beekeepers . We were the first to add a text about protective equipment for beekeepers and observers. Bumblebees have stingers and if they feel threatened, they do not hesitate to use them. You will definitely need some protective equipment – ​​choose according to your wallet and taste.

2/2/2020

Thanks for your input, which has helped us supplement the text and photos. For example, you will see what corrugated cardboard looks like after use in a hive and why we do not recommend it. We have also added a funny solution from a beekeeper who uses a ground screw A concrete foot can also be used to stably position the hive on a stand .

We have also opened a new page where you can find materials that have proven themselves in the modification or production of hives . These are adhesive tapes, seals and more. Read this

We will update and supplement the tips verified by you.