John Horton wonders how long pollen can be left in a trap...

Fresh pollen is incredibly rich in carbohydrates and protein.  Some analyses
claim that moisture levels on the eastern seaboard run 18%.  Protein levels
run 20%-35%.  This is a food that cries out for bacteria!

With eastern seaboard ambient humidity levels of 65%-90%, pollen should be
removed from traps daily and frozen.  Otherwise bacteria levels will quickly
rise.  On the other hand, in the American southwest it is not uncommon for
ambient humidity to be 15%-25%, and pollen moisture levels to run less than
10%.  Beekeepers there successfully empty their traps every week!

I am also told that in Canada's Peace River area humidity is very low and
collected pollen is emptied into food grade barrels and never frozen until
after cleaning.

Finally, I have been told that if pollen emptied from traps is clumping
together that is a sign of either bacteria waste products at an unacceptably
high level or excessive moisture (rain) contamination and the pollen should
be discarded.

Hope this helps,

Lloyd

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