Managed bumble bees are valuable greenhouse pollinators.

Bumble bees are highly effective pollinators of greenhouse crops, particularly tomatoes, and managed colonies are an important tool for greenhouse production.

Their use isn't the problem. The concern arises when managed bumble bees escape from greenhouses and interact with native bees.

Alberta is home to approximately 371 species of native bees, including a diverse community of native bumble bees. These bees play important roles in Alberta's ecosystems and agriculture.

Today, the Common Eastern Bumble Bee (Bombus impatiens) is the primary species used for commercial greenhouse pollination. As its name suggests, this species is native to eastern North America. It is not native to Alberta.

Keeping managed B. impatiens healthy and contained within greenhouses allows growers to benefit from their pollination services while reducing risks to native bees.