Preparing for the Inspection
Are you a beekeeper looking to inspect your hive but not quite sure where to start? Perhaps you feel overwhelmed or unsure about the process. Fear not! In this article, we will guide you through the steps of inspecting a beehive and help you prepare for a successful inspection.
The first step in preparing for the inspection is to ensure that you have the right equipment and tools. Before opening the hive, have your smoker, hive tool, and protective clothing at the ready. These tools will help you manage the bees and safely navigate their hive. Make sure your protective gear fits well and is in good condition. A beekeeping suit or jacket, veil, and gloves will keep you safe from bee stings and other hazards.
The next step is to choose the right time of day for the inspection. Bees are more docile during the day when most of the foragers are out of the hive and temperatures are warm. Early morning or late afternoon are good times to inspect the hive. Avoid inspecting the hive during rainy, windy, or extremely hot weather conditions. Bees are more defensive during these times and may be more likely to sting.
Opening the Hive
Before we start inspecting the hive, we need to open it carefully. It is important to perform this step gently, without banging or jostling the hive as it can irritate the bees and make them more aggressive. Here is how to do it:
Remove the outer cover of the hive: This will expose an inner cover that protects the hive from rain, sun, and wind.
Remove the inner cover: You can use a hive tool to pry it open gently, starting from one side and moving to the other. Place the inner cover upside down on the outer cover.
Remove any propolis or wax buildup that may have accumulated on the top bars of the frames.
Next, start smoking the hive, not excessively, but enough to drive the bees down and away from the top of the frames. The smoke will also help mask the smell of any alarm pheromones that may be released during the inspection.
Remove the first frame: Once the bees have moved down, gently pry loose the first frame using your hive tool. When you pull out the frame, hold it over the hive to prevent any bees from falling off into the grass or onto the ground.
Continue inspecting the frames in the same way, making sure to replace each frame in the same order and orientation you removed it. This prevents disrupting the hive's structure and function.
Once you are finished, carefully replace the inner cover and outer cover, making sure they are properly aligned to ensure that the hive is protected from the elements.
If you are inspecting a hive for the first time, or if you are unsure what to do, it is always best to seek the advice of an experienced beekeeper or mentor. They can provide you with helpful tips and guidance to ensure that your hive inspection goes smoothly without causing unnecessary stress to the bees or hive.
Assessing the Brood
Once you have checked the honey supers, the next step is to assess the brood chamber. This is where the queen bee and her workers raise the young bees. The brood chamber should be inspected carefully as it is the heart of the colony.
- Check the brood pattern: The first thing you need to do is look at the brood pattern. The brood pattern should be compact and even across the entire frame. If you see gaps or spotty brood pattern, it may indicate that the queen bee is not laying well, or there may be something wrong with the colony.
- Check the larvae: The next step is to look at the larvae. The larvae should be pearly white and plump. If you see larvae that are discolored, shriveled or dead, it may indicate that there is a problem with the colony.
- Look for eggs: You should look for eggs in the cells. Depending on the age of the eggs, they should be either standing up or laying on their sides. Eggs should be small, white and plump. If there is no sign of eggs, it may mean that the queen bee is not laying or that she is not present in the colony.
- Check for queen cells: While inspecting the brood chamber, you should also look for queen cells. These are larger cells that are usually located in the center of the frame. If you see queen cells, it may indicate that the colony is preparing to swarm, or that the queen bee is not laying well.
- Assess the brood comb: Lastly, you should assess the brood comb. The comb should be clean and free from debris. If you see debris or hive beetle larvae, it may indicate that the colony is weak and may need attention.
Remember to be gentle when handling the frames, and always use a smoker to calm the bees before inspecting the hive. Proper inspection of the brood chamber can help you identify any problems with the colony and take necessary actions to ensure the colony's survival.
Checking for Disease and Pests
Inspecting a beehive is not just about checking the amount of honey it has produced. You also need to check your bees' health, as they are vulnerable to diseases and pests that can adversely affect their wellbeing and productivity. In this section, we will guide you through how to check for diseases and pests in your beehive.
- Wax moth: Wax moth is a pest that feeds on the wax and honey that bees produce. Look for the presence of larvae in the comb. If you notice small holes in the comb, then you have an infestation. Remove the affected comb and freeze it for a few days to kill the larvae.
- Varroa mite: Varroa mites are tiny parasites that feed on bee hemolymph, weakening and ultimately killing them. Look for bees with deformed wings and unusual walking behavior. You can also conduct a sugar shake or alcohol wash test to determine the prevalence of varroa mites in your colony. If you find high numbers of mites, it is important to treat your bees to reduce their numbers.
- American Foulbrood: American Foulbrood is a bacterial disease that affects the brood of bees. Look for brood that looks sunken and has a dark color. You may also smell a foul odor emanating from the infected brood. If you identify this disease, contact your local beekeeping association and follow their recommendations for treatment and management.
- European Foulbrood: European Foulbrood is a bacterial disease that can affect both brood and adult bees. Look for spotty brood patterns that look irregular and have various colors. If you notice this disease, remove the infected brood and replace the comb with fresh ones.
- Nosema: Nosema is a fungal disease that affects the digestive tract of bees. Look for bees that have a distended abdomen and are unable to fly. It is important to clean your hive regularly, and to treat with fumagillin to control the spread of Nosema.
By regularly checking your bees for pests and diseases, you can help maintain a healthy and productive colony. If you identify any issues, it is important to take prompt action to manage the situation and prevent it from spreading.
Evaluating Honey Production
After inspecting a beehive, it is important to evaluate honey production. Harvesting honey from bees is the primary reason for keeping bees. Evaluating honey production will help you determine the health of the bee colony and make appropriate decisions.
- Check the frames: Start by checking each frame in the beehive and look for capped honey cells. Capping of honey cells is the best indicator that the honey is mature and ready for harvest. Be sure to leave enough honey for the bees to feed on during the cold months, typically 60-70 pounds per hive.
- Weigh the hive: The weight of the beehive can tell you a lot about the honey production. A healthy beehive should weigh around 80-90 pounds during peak season. A lighter hive might indicate a lack of honey production, while a heavy hive might signal the need to harvest honey.
- Observe the bees: Be sure to observe the bees as they come and go from the hive. If you notice a lot of activity, it could indicate a strong honey flow. However, if there is little activity, it might suggest that the bees are not finding enough nectar.
- Check honey quality: It is important to check the quality of the honey before harvesting. Ensure that there is no fermentation or contamination in the honey. Also, taste the honey to determine its taste and color. Lighter honey is usually milder in taste, while darker honey is more robust and flavorful.
- Decide when to harvest: Timing is critical when harvesting honey. It is best to harvest in the early morning when bees are less active. Once the honey is mature, it can be harvested every two to three weeks. However, do not over-harvest, as the bees need enough honey to survive the winter.
Evaluating honey production is an essential part of inspecting a beehive. By following these steps, you will be able to determine the health of the bee colony and make appropriate decisions about honey harvesting. Remember, bees are delicate creatures, so handle them with care.
Closing the Hive and Post-Inspection Care
After a thorough inspection of your beehive, it's important to properly close it up to ensure the safety and health of your bees. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to close your hive and care for it post-inspection:
Remove the frame and clean it with a hive tool if necessary.
Replace the frame into the hive, positioning it in the same orientation as before.
Put any covers or lids back onto the hive.
Secure any latches or straps to ensure the hive cannot be easily opened by animals or pests.
Return any remaining equipment to its proper storage place.
Wash your hands and the tools you used to inspect your hive with warm, soapy water to prevent the spread of disease.
Record your observations and any actions you took in your hive inspection log.
Monitor your bees closely over the next few days to ensure they are adapting well to any changes you made in the hive during inspection.
If you noticed any issues during your inspection, take the necessary steps to resolve them as soon as possible.
Closing up your hive properly is essential for the safety and health of your bees and ensuring that your colony is protected against predators and pests. It's important to be thorough during the inspection and take note of any issues that require attention, and ensure to make the necessary changes in an efficient way.
By following these tips and best practices, you can successfully inspect and care for your beehive, ensuring the health and vitality of your bees for years to come.
