Introduction

Bee colonies must be inspected in order to know the status of colony development, whether any diseases are present, whether there is actively performing queen, the amount of brood (eggs, larvae, and pupae), food (pollen and nectar stores), to check whether colony has sufficient space for the queen to lay eggs and to detect if the colony is making any preparations for absconding/swarming and to undertake prevention measures. This information helps in determining and planning seasonal management practices. Colony inspection is performed from outside and inside (by opening the hive).

Appropriate Weather and Time

> The best time to inspect a colony depends on the weather and also the bees' daytime routine.

> Inspection should be carried out during clear and calm weather.

> Inspection should not be carried out when it is hot and bright, cold, cloudy, or threatening storms or rain.

> Colony inspection is easier when a large number of bees are out foraging and fewer are in the hive

> Colony inspection should be carried out at 2 to 7 day intervals if the colony has shown a swarming impulse or signs of disease or pests, and after introducing a new queen or queen cell.

Table : Appropriate time for colony inspection

Preparation

The following equipment and accessories should be collected together before the inspection:

• Be Veil
• Hive tool
• Knife
• Smoke or Cotton clothe rol
• Gloves if wanted
• Observation form
• Pen

 

Steps in Inspection

• Gently smoke the entrance and wait for few minutes
• Remove the roof and lay it on the ground with the bottom upward just behind the hive
• Check for the presence of spider, cockroach and lizard inside the roof
• Remove the crown board by levering at each corner with the hive tool if propolised.
• Check for the presence of queen on the under surface of the crown board
• Remove the super and keep it diagonally on the upturned roof
• Close the super with the crown board
• Smoke between the brood frames if the bees are defensive
• Push all the brood frames away from you with a hive tool creating a small gap.
• Gently lift the end frame without rolling the bees, using the hive tool as a lever initially.
• Examine the first frame and keep it slanting against the hive stand on the ground
• Remove and inspect the frames one after another
• Methodically turn the brood frame of Indian bees to observe both the sides of the comb
• Keep the brood box over the super after brood nest inspection
• Check for the presence of wax moth larvae or dead bees on floor board
• Clean the floor board thoroughly
• Replace the brood box over the floor board
• Put back the super on the brood box.
• Inspect the super frames in a similar fashion
• Close the hive with the top cover and inner cover

 

Colony Inspection form

 

Do's and Don't in hive inspection

Do's

• Inspect the colony in good weather
• Use veil until you gain confidence in handling bees
• Use smoke judiciously to calm the bees
• Ensure the smoker is functioning properly through out the inspection
• Always stand by the side of the hive
• Scratch the bee sting with a finger nail or hive tool
• Replace the frames in the same order in the brood chamber
• Handle the frame properly to avoid comb breakage
• If the bees are aggressive even after smoking close the hive and postpone hive inspection
• Record your observation in a note book to know about the hive history and works to be done to the inspected colony.

 

Dont's

• Don't open the hive on a windy day or a rainy day or at night
• Don't stand in front of the hive entrance
• Don't kill the bees by crushing while removing and replacing the frames
• Never make any sudden movements when bees are buzzing around you
• Don't use smoke excessively which will alarm the bees
• Don't pull out the sting, if you get stung
• Avoid using scent and strong smelling shampoos and lotions
• Don't inspect the box unnecessarily

Important Points

• The inspector should wear unscented, clean, and colourless clothes.
• The inspection should be carried out quickly and gently.
• Continue the inspection even if the bees sting, without becoming over-excited. Stings should be removed gently.
• If the bees are angry and defensive, immediately close the hive by replacing the cover.
• Keep 1 mature queen cell with 3 to 4 brood combs in the mother colony.Strong and healthy colonies should be inspected first followed by weak or diseased and angry colonies
• If the queen is seen in a brood frame while inspecting, take extra care and replace in the brood chamber immediately
• After inspecting diseased colonies, wash hands and any equipment and accessories thoroughly with soap and water before inspecting another (healthy) colony. Otherwise wash hands and equipment with soap and water at the end of the inspection.