Routine Beehive Inspections

Observe the “comings and goings” of bees at the entrance. Do things look “normal,” or are bees fighting or stumbling around aimlessly?

Smoke the hive (at entrance and under the cover).

If you’re using a screened bottom board, check the slide-out tray for varroa mites. Determine if treatment is needed. Clean the tray and replace it.

Open the hive. Remove the wall frame and set it aside.

Work your way through the remaining frames.

Do you see the queen? If not, look for eggs. Finding eggs means that you have a queen. If you are 100% certain there are no eggs (and thus no queen) consider ordering a new queen from your bee supplier.

Look at uncapped larvae. Do they look bright white and glistening (that's good) or are they tan or dull (that's bad)?

How's the brood pattern? Is it compact (with few empty cells) and does it cover most of the frame? This is excellent.

Is the brood pattern spotty (with many empty cells)? Are cappings sunken in or perforated? If yes, you may have a problem.

Do you see swarm cells? Provide the colony with more room to expand. Check for adequate ventilation.

Always anticipate the colony's growth. Provide additional space by adding honey supers (if you are using a Langstroth hive) or by moving your follower board (if you are using a Top Bar hive). Give them room before it's obvious that the bees need extra space.

Replace all frames and close up the hive.