How Often Should You Inspect Your Beehive? Expert Recommendations

General Inspection Frequency

Beehive inspection frequency is crucial for maintaining healthy colonies. Here’s a generally recommended schedule:

• Active season (spring/summer): Conduct hive inspections every 7-10 days. This period is critical for monitoring queen cells and preventing swarming. Regular checks allow beekeepers to manage space in the brood box and add honey supers as needed.
• Less active periods: Inspect every 2-3 weeks. During cooler months, colonies are less active, requiring fewer checks. However, it’s still important to monitor food stores and overall hive health.
• Minimum recommendation: Monthly inspections are the bare minimum for responsible beekeeping. Regular checks help identify issues early, such as disease, pests, or queenlessness.
• Areas with Africanized bees: Weekly inspections are necessary due to these bees’ aggressive behaviour and rapid colony growth. More frequent checks help manage their unique characteristics and prevent potential issues.
• New or split hives: Inspect weekly for 4-6 weeks, then reduce frequency. New colonies need close monitoring to ensure proper establishment, queen acceptance, and buildup of the brood nest.

During each inspection, use a hive tool to carefully examine brood frames for signs of healthy laying patterns and potential problems. Always observe hive entrance activity before opening the hive, as this can provide valuable insights into the colony’s state.

Remember, these are general guidelines. Adjust your inspection schedule based on your colony’s specific needs, local climate, nectar flow, and experience level. The goal is to balance gathering necessary information with minimising disturbance to the hive.

Seasonal Inspection Timeline

Spring to Early Summer (March-June)

Tasks:

• Monitor food supply: Check honey stores and pollen availability. If necessary, add pollen paste to support brood rearing. Ensure the colony has enough resources for rapid spring growth.
• Regular brood box inspections: Examine brood frames carefully for:
  • Signs of a healthy, laying queen bee
  • Presence of eggs and developing brood
  • Any signs of disease or pest infestation
  • Queen cells, especially during peak swarm season
• Adding supers: As the colony grows and nectar flow increases, add honey supers to provide enough space for honey storage. This helps prevent congestion in the brood box, which can trigger swarming.
• Swarm management: Look for and address signs of swarming, such as queen cups or cells. Consider implementing swarm prevention techniques like splitting strong colonies or providing additional space.
• Monitor hive entrance activity: Observe bees coming and going, which can indicate the colony’s strength and foraging conditions.

Remember to use your hive tool during inspections and keep disturbances to a minimum while still gathering necessary information. Adjust your inspection frequency based on local conditions and the specific needs of your colonies.

Late Summer (July-August)

Tasks:

• Harvest honey: Typically done from June through early August, depending on your location and nectar flow. When harvesting:
  • Leave enough honey for the bees’ winter stores
  • Use escape boards or bee brushes to remove bees from supers
  • Extract honey promptly after removal from the hive
• Begin varroa treatment: Late summer is a crucial time to assess and treat for varroa mites. Conduct a mite count and implement appropriate treatment methods if necessary once all honey is harvested. This helps ensure the colony enters winter with healthy bees.
• Monitor hive temperature: Check for adequate ventilation, especially on hot days. Consider using screened bottom boards or propping the outer cover slightly to improve air circulation.
• Assess food stores: Ensure the colony has sufficient honey stores. If nectar flow has slowed, be prepared to start supplemental feeding if necessary.
• Check for queen performance: While not as critical as in spring, verify the queen is still laying well and the colony remains strong.
• Watch for robbing behaviour: As nectar becomes scarce, bees may try to rob weaker colonies. Reduce hive entrances if needed.
• Evaluate equipment: Assess the condition of hive bodies, frames, and other equipment. Plan for any replacements or repairs before winter.

Remember to approach the hive calmly and use your smoker judiciously. Late summer inspections are important for setting up the colony for a successful transition into fall and winter. Adjust your management based on local conditions and the specific needs of your colonies.

Autumn (September-November)

Tasks:

• Ensure adequate winter food supply:
  • Aim for a minimum of 15kg (33 lbs) of stored honey per hive.
  • If stores are insufficient, supplement with sugar syrup (2:1 sugar to water ratio).
  • Position honey frames close to the brood nest for easy access during winter.
• Complete feeding by end of September:
  • Finish any necessary supplemental feeding early in the season.
  • This allows bees time to properly cure and cap the syrup before cold weather sets in.
• Install mouse guards:
  • Place mouse guards at hive entrances to prevent rodents from entering during winter.
  • Ensure guards don’t impede bee movement or ventilation.
• Assess colony strength:
  • Check for a healthy, laying queen and a good population of worker bees.
  • Consider combining weak colonies with stronger ones.
• Conduct final disease and pest check:
  • Look for signs of varroa mites, nosema, or other issues.
  • Treat if necessary, following appropriate guidelines for autumn treatments.
• Reduce hive size if needed:
  • Remove empty supers to help bees maintain hive temperature.
  • Ensure proper ventilation while reducing drafts.
• Check hive equipment:
  • Repair or replace any damaged hive components.
  • Ensure the hive is weatherproof for winter conditions.
• Plan for winter protection:
  • Consider methods like wrapping hives or adding insulation, depending on your local climate.
  • Ensure adequate ventilation to prevent moisture buildup.

Remember, this autumn inspection is crucial for winter survival. Take your time to assess the hive’s condition and make necessary preparations thoroughly. Adjust your management based on local weather patterns and the specific needs of your colonies.

Winter (December-February)

Tasks:

• External hive monitoring:
  • Regularly check the hive entrance for activity on warmer days.
  • Look for signs of life, such as dead bees being removed from the hive.
  • Clear away any snow or debris blocking the entrance.
• Food supply assessment:
  • Gently lift the back of the hive to gauge its weight. A light hive may indicate low food stores.
  • If possible, use thermal imaging to locate the winter cluster and assess its size.
• Provide emergency food if needed:
  • If food stores seem low, provide emergency candy or fondant.
  • Place food directly above the cluster for easy access.
  • Avoid liquid feeding during cold weather to prevent moisture buildup.
• Ensure proper ventilation:
  • Check that ventilation holes or upper entrances are clear.
  • Proper airflow prevents moisture accumulation and mould growth.
• Maintain weatherproofing:
  • Ensure hive wraps or insulation remain secure.
  • Check for and repair any damage to the hive exterior.
• Pest control:
  • Monitor for signs of rodents or other pests attempting to enter the hive.
  • Ensure mouse guards remain in place and are effective.
• Plan for spring:
  • Use this time to repair equipment and plan for the upcoming season.
  • Order any necessary supplies for spring management.

Winter survival depends largely on proper autumn preparation. Avoid opening the hive unless absolutely necessary, as this can disrupt the winter cluster and chill the bees. If you must open the hive, do so only on days when temperatures are above 10°C (50°F) and be as quick and gentle as possible.

Adjust your management based on your local climate. In milder regions, you may have more opportunities for brief checks, while external monitoring becomes even more critical in colder areas.

Reasons for Inspection

1. Check for queen cells during swarm season:
   • Look for queen cups and cells, especially along frame bottoms and edges.
   • The presence of queen cells may indicate swarming preparations.
   • If swarm cells are found, take appropriate action (e.g., splitting the colony).
2. Monitor for diseases and pests:
   • Check for signs of diseases like American Foulbrood, European Foulbrood, and Nosema.
   • Look for pests such as varroa mites, small hive beetles, and wax moths.
   • Early detection allows for timely treatment and prevents the spread to other colonies.
3. Assess space needs (brood box, supers):
   • Ensure the queen has enough room to lay eggs in the brood box.
   • Add or remove supers based on honey production and nectar flow.
   • Proper space management helps prevent swarming and optimises honey production.
4. Verify the presence of brood and eggs (queen activity):
   • Look for eggs, larvae, and capped brood in a good pattern.
   • The presence of eggs indicates the queen was active within the last 3 days.
   • The absence of eggs or poor brood patterns may indicate queen issues.
5. Check food stores:
   • Assess honey and pollen stores throughout the season.
   • Ensure adequate stores for winter or during dearth periods.
   • Supplement with feeding if necessary to prevent starvation.
6. Replace old comb (35-75% annually):
   • Old, dark comb can harbour pathogens and chemical residues.
   • Gradual comb replacement helps maintain hive hygiene.
   • Aim to replace 35-75% of the comb annually, depending on your management style.
7. Assess overall colony strength:
   • Evaluate the population size and distribution of bees in the hive.
   • Strong colonies are better able to defend against pests and produce honey.
8. Monitor for signs of robbing or other stressors:
   • Look for unusual bee behaviour or fighting at the entrance.
   • Address any issues promptly to prevent the colony from weakening.

Remember, while these inspections are important, balancing gathering information with minimising disturbance to the colony is crucial. Always approach hive inspections calmly and with a clear purpose. Use appropriate protective gear and tools, and be prepared to record your observations for future reference.

Factors Influencing Inspection Frequency

The frequency of beehive inspections can vary based on several factors.

1. Beekeeper experience level:
   • Novice beekeepers may need to inspect more frequently to gain experience and confidence.
   • Experienced beekeepers often can assess hive health with fewer, more targeted inspections.
   • Beekeepers can often reduce inspection frequency as skills improve without compromising hive management.
2. Presence of Africanized bees:
   • Areas with Africanized bees require more frequent inspections due to their aggressive nature and rapid colony growth.
   • Weekly checks may be necessary to manage these colonies effectively and ensure safety.
3. Signs of pest invasions:
   • If wax moths, small hive beetles, or other pests are detected, increase inspection frequency.
   • Monitor closely to assess treatment effectiveness and prevent further damage.
   • Regular checks help catch infestations early when they’re easier to manage.
4. Frequent queen replacement:
   • Colonies with new queens need more frequent monitoring to ensure successful acceptance and egg-laying.
   • Check for proper queen performance and signs of supersedure.
   • More inspections may be needed until the new queen is well-established.
5. Evidence of robbing:
   • If robbing behaviour is observed, increase inspection frequency to monitor hive strength and defences.
   • Look for signs of fighting at the entrance and weakening of the colony.
   • Frequent checks allow timely intervention, such as reducing entrances or moving hives.
6. Increased bee aggression:
   • A sudden increase in aggression may indicate queenlessness, disease, or other stressors.
   • More frequent inspections can help identify and address the underlying cause.
   • Be sure to use proper protective gear when dealing with aggressive colonies.
7. Reduced bee activity at hive entrance:
   • A noticeable decrease in foraging activity may signal problems within the hive.
   • Increase inspection frequency to check for issues like disease, queen failure, or insufficient food stores.
   • Early detection of problems can be crucial for colony survival.
8. Local environmental conditions:
   • Extreme weather events may necessitate more frequent checks to ensure hive integrity and colony well-being.
   • Drought or unexpected nectar dearths might require closer monitoring of food stores.
9. Colony life stage:
   • New colonies or recent splits often benefit from more frequent inspections as they establish themselves.
   • Strong, well-established colonies typically require less frequent monitoring.

While these factors may necessitate more frequent inspections, it’s important to balance the need for information with minimising disturbance to the colony. Always approach hive inspections with a clear purpose and use observations from outside the hive to inform your inspection strategy. Adjust your inspection frequency based on the specific needs of each colony and your local beekeeping conditions.

Best Practices for Hive Inspections

Effective hive inspections balance the need for information with minimal disturbance to the colony. Here are some best practices to follow:

1. Keep inspections quick and focused:
   • Have a clear purpose for each inspection.
   • Prioritise tasks and focus on the most important checks first.
   • Aim to complete inspections within 15-20 minutes when possible.
2. Only inspect as much as necessary:
   • Don’t examine every frame unless there’s a specific reason.
   • Often, checking 2-3 frames in the brood nest is sufficient for routine inspections.
   • Use external observations to guide the depth of your inspection.
3. Avoid excessive disturbance to the hive:
   • Move slowly and deliberately to minimise bee agitation.
   • Use smoke judiciously – a little goes a long way.
   • Don’t scald the bees with the smoke from the smoker.
   • Replace frames in the same order and orientation as you found them.
4. Document observations and concerns:
   • Keep a hive journal or use a beekeeping app to record your findings.
   • Note any unusual observations, treatments applied, or actions taken.
   • Track patterns over time to inform future management decisions.
5. Conduct inspections on warmer, calmer days:
   • Choose days when temperatures are above 12°C (54°F), and winds are light.
   • Avoid inspecting during rain or when storms are approaching.
   • Mid-day inspections are often best when most foragers are out of the hive.
6. Balance information gathering with minimal disruption:
   • Learn to gather key information quickly without full hive inspections.
   • Use less invasive methods when possible (e.g., observing entrance activity, hefting the hive to check weight).
   • Develop skills to assess colony status with minimal frame pulling.
7. Prepare before opening the hive:
   • Have all necessary tools ready (hive tool, smoker, spare frames, etc.).
   • Review previous inspection notes to know what to look for.
   • Plan your inspection steps to be efficient and thorough.
8. Practice good hygiene:
   • Clean and sterilise tools between hive inspections (between each hive in your apiary) to prevent disease spread.
   • Wear clean protective gear.
   • Consider having dedicated equipment for apiaries if managing multiple locations.
9. Be mindful of robbing:
   • Avoid inspections during nectar dearths when robbing is more likely.
   • Keep hives open for as short a time as possible.
   • Use robbing screens or reduce entrances if necessary.
10. Continual learning:
    • Stay informed about local beekeeping conditions and emerging best practices.
    • Consider joining a local beekeeping association for support and knowledge sharing.
    • Be willing to adjust your inspection techniques based on new information and experience.

Hive inspections aim to gather necessary information while causing minimal stress to the colony. As you gain experience, you’ll develop a better sense of when and how to inspect most effectively. Always prioritise bee health and colony well-being in your inspection practices.

New Hive and Queen Checks

First inspection: 4-5 days after installation

• Conduct a brief, gentle inspection to minimise disturbance.
• Check if the queen has been released from her cage (if applicable).
• Look for signs of queen acceptance, such as bees attending to her.
• Verify that the bees are drawing out comb on foundation frames.

If the queen is still caged: Check again on day 7

• Gently remove the queen cage and check if she’s been released.
• If not, manually release her onto a frame of drawn comb.
• Observe the bees’ reaction to the queen for signs of acceptance.
• If using a push-in cage, remove it at this time.

If no queen/brood: Wait 3-5 days, then recheck

• Look for eggs and young larvae, indicating the queen has started laying.
• Check for the presence of the queen herself.
• Observe worker bee behaviour for signs of queenlessness (e.g., agitation, roaring sound).
• If using a marked queen, confirm the mark is present.

If still queenless: Act quickly to prevent colony failure

• Options to consider:
  1. Introduce a new mated queen.
  2. Add a frame of eggs and young larvae from another colony to allow the bees to raise their own queen.
  3. Combine the colony with a queenright nucleus colony.
• Choose based on the colony’s strength and available resources.

Additional considerations:

• Monitor food stores in new colonies, especially if installed during a nectar dearth.
• Provide sugar syrup (1:1 ratio) to encourage comb building and support brood rearing.
• Check for proper placement of frames and adjust if necessary.
• Look for signs of pests or diseases that might affect the new colony.
• Ensure proper ventilation and moisture control in the hive.

Remember, new colonies are vulnerable and require careful management. Balance the need for information with minimising disturbance. As the colony establishes itself, gradually reduce inspection frequency to align with your regular management schedule.