Inspections

In this programme, we’ll guide you through the essentials of conducting effective beekeeping inspections to ensure your colonies stay healthy and productive. Regular hive inspections are crucial for detecting problems early, such as pests, diseases, or insufficient resources, and for monitoring overall colony strength. We start by explaining when and how often to inspect your hives, emphasizing the best times of year for different types of checks. Regular spring and summer inspections focus on assessing queen health, brood patterns, and honey stores. During the fall, inspections should focus on ensuring adequate winter stores and preparing hives for the colder months. The course will cover how to identify signs of common issues, such as varroa mite infestations, signs of foulbrood diseases, or poor queen performance. We’ll also show you how to spot other pests like small hive beetles and how to deal with them effectively. In addition to pest and disease monitoring, we’ll cover how to assess hive strength, check for adequate space, and ensure that bees have access to enough food sources. Proper hive maintenance, like cleaning frames and replacing damaged equipment, will also be discussed. By the end of this course, you’ll have a solid understanding of how to conduct thorough inspections that keep your hives healthy and productive year-round.