Inspecting a honeybee hive is a critical part of beekeeping that helps ensure the health and productivity of the colony. Regular inspections allow beekeepers to monitor the condition of the hive, identify issues early, and manage the bees effectively. Here’s what to look for when inspecting a honeybee hive in New England:

1. Hive Equipment and Setup

• Hive Condition: Check the exterior for signs of wear, damage, or pest infestation. Ensure that the hive is properly assembled and that there are no gaps or openings that could allow pests to enter.
• Space Management: Ensure that the hive has enough space for the bees. If the brood nest is crowded, consider adding additional boxes (supers) for honey storage or space for the queen to lay eggs.

2. Overall Activity

• Forager Activity: Observe the entrance to see how many bees are coming and going. A healthy population will have consistent foraging activity.
• Pest Activity: Watch for signs of pests such as wax moths, mice, or ants around the entrance. Large numbers of dead bees in front of the hive may signal problems like disease.

3. Health of the Colony

• Brood Pattern: Open the hive and examine the brood frames. Look for a consistent, solid pattern of brood without large holes or patches. Irregular brood patterns may indicate queen problems or disease.
• Brood Stages: Check for the presence of all stages of brood (eggs, larvae, and capped brood). Eggs are usually found in cells, and healthy hives should have evidence of brood in various developmental stages.

4. Queen Health

• Presence of the Queen: Look for the queen bee, which is often larger than the workers and has a longer abdomen. If she is present, check her behavior—she should be actively moving around and laying eggs.
• Eggs: If you don’t see the queen, look for freshly laid eggs (1-2 days old), which help confirm her presence. Eggs are tiny and positioned upright at the bottom of the cell.

5. Honey and Pollen Stores

• Honey Supers: Check honey production by looking at the supers. Frames should be filled with capped honey stores, especially late in the summer. Ensure that there are adequate supplies for the bees, especially heading into winter.
• Pollen Comb: Check for stored pollen in frames, typically located near the brood area. This is important for the nutrition of the brood.

6. Signs of Disease or Infestation

• Varroa Mites: Look for symptoms of mite infestation, such as discolored bees, deformed wings, or bee pupa showing signs of mite presence. You can also do a mite count using a sugar roll or alcohol wash method.
• American Foulbrood (AFB): Check for signs of AFB, which include sunken, darkened, and punctured cappings on brood cells. The presence of a foul odor is also a symptom of this disease.
• Nosema: Observe bee behavior; bees with nosema may exhibit disorientation. You may also see fecal spots around the entrance (indicative of digestive issues).

7. General Hive Temperament

• Behavior of Bees: Assess the temperament of the bees. A calm hive is a sign of a healthy colony, while aggressive behavior may signal stress, disease, or overcrowding. Approach inspections gently and minimize disturbances to the bees.

8. Seasonal Considerations

• Spring: During early spring, focus on the queen’s laying patterns, building up the hive population, and ensuring the bees have adequate food stores after winter.
• Summer: Look for honey production and colony strength, monitor for pests, and manage space as the population grows.
• Fall: Assess honey stores for winter, prepare for potential feeding needs, and ensure the hive is healthy enough to survive the winter.
• Winter: Minimize disturbances in the winter months, but check for dead bees or signs of moisture which can indicate issues with winter clustering.

Conclusion

Regular inspections are vital for maintaining a healthy honeybee hive. By focusing on these key areas during your inspections, you can help ensure that your bees thrive and produce honey successfully. Always record your observations to track changes over time and to plan management actions effectively. Happy beekeeping!