Your first purposeful hive inspection
The goal is not to find every possible problem. The goal is to answer a few useful questions without keeping the colony open longer than necessary.
Before you open the hive
- Know why you are inspecting today.
- Have your protective gear, smoker, hive tool, and notes ready.
- Observe entrance activity before disturbing the colony.
- Consider weather and avoid unnecessary inspections in poor conditions.
Five questions to answer
Does the colony appear queen-right?
You do not have to see the queen every time. Eggs, very young larvae, and an appropriate brood pattern can provide useful evidence.
How does the brood look?
Notice amount, pattern, stages, and anything that seems abnormal. Take a clear photo if you want help reviewing it later.
How are food stores?
Look at nectar/honey and pollen relative to colony size, season, weather, and incoming forage.
Is there enough usable space?
Congestion can matter during growth and swarm season. Empty equipment alone does not always mean the bees have usable space where they need it.
Any pest or disease concerns?
Record what you actually observe. Varroa management should be based on appropriate monitoring rather than appearance alone.