Conducting Your First Hive Inspection

Your first hive inspection is one of the most memorable moments in your beekeeping journey. It’s the day you finally peek behind the curtain and see how your colony is adjusting, communicating, and building its new home. This inspection should happen about a week after installing your bees—long enough for them to settle, but early enough to catch any problems.

Pick a warm, sunny day with little wind. Bees are calmer when the weather is kind, and many of them will be out foraging, making the hive less crowded for your visit. Suit up in your protective gear, light your smoker, and bring your hive tool. Take your smartphone as well—photos are wonderful for reviewing details later and sharing with fellow bee lovers.

Start your inspection with a gentle puff or two of smoke at the entrance and under the lid. Smoke doesn’t harm bees; it simply distracts them and encourages them to retreat into the hive, giving you space to work. Lift the outer and then the inner cover slowly and deliberately. Bees glue everything together with propolis, so the hive tool will help loosen stubborn parts. Avoid sudden movements—think of yourself as a calm guest entering someone else’s home.

Frame by frame, begin your exploration. Start on the outer edge where frames are less populated, and work your way inward. Hold each frame over the hive body, so if the queen falls, she lands safely inside.

Key Observations During Your Inspection

This is where the real learning begins. As a new beekeeper, your goal is to understand whether the colony is establishing itself successfully. You’re not just “checking boxes”—you’re reading the story of your hive through patterns, sounds, smells, and behaviour.

1. Look for signs of a healthy queen. Even if you don’t spot the queen herself (and many beginners don’t!), you can confirm her presence by looking for:

• Eggs: Tiny white specks, standing upright in the cell on day one. Their presence is one of the strongest indicators of a laying queen.

• Larvae: Soft, pearly white curves in open cells, usually surrounded by attentive nurse bees.

• Capped brood: Cells sealed with a light brown or biscuit-coloured cap, housing developing pupae.

A healthy colony will have these stages arranged in solid, consistent patterns—often described as a “brood blanket.” Patchy or scattered brood can suggest issues such as disease, pests, or an aging or failing queen.

2. Observe bee behaviour. Healthy bees are calm and purposeful. They move steadily across the frame, not frantically. If you see bees fanning at the entrance, that’s good—they’re ventilating the hive or signalling homecoming foragers.

3. Check for nectar, honey, and pollen stores. Your bees need food to grow. You should see:

• Shiny nectar glistening in open cells

• Capped honey along the upper edges

• Bands of colourful pollen—yellow, orange, even purple—used to feed brood

4. Note the hive’s smell and sound. A healthy hive has a warm, slightly sweet scent and a low, steady hum. Sharp, sour smells or loud, agitated buzzing can be warnings.

5. Look for pests or problems. Ants, small hive beetles, chalkbrood mummies, or excessive dead bees can signal trouble. Early detection prevents bigger issues.

Identifying Pests and Problems

Look for signs of pests or disease. Common issues include:

• Varroa mites: Tiny reddish-brown parasites on bees or in drone broods. A sticky board or oil tray under a screened bottom board can help trap and monitor mite levels.

  
  

• Nosema is a common honeybee disease caused by microscopic fungal parasites

  
  

• Wax moths: Look for silk tunnels or webbing in unused or weak combs—these can damage wax and compromise the hive.

  
  

• Hive beetles or ants may also be present, especially in warm climates. Place oil traps between frames to catch them. Good hive hygiene and strong colonies can help prevent infestations.

More details on hive pests will be discussed later in the book.

Close the Hive Gently

Once your inspection is complete, reassemble the hive carefully. Ensure each box fits snugly, with no gaps that allow pests or rain to enter. Return frames to their original positions to avoid confusing the bees. Replace the inner and outer covers securely.

Regular inspections—check monthly for the first 2-3 months; that will help you stay informed about the colony’s progress. Over time, these checks will become second nature, and you’ll develop confidence and intuition in understanding your bees’ needs.

By the end of your inspection, you should feel more connected to your bees and more confident in your role as their caretaker. Every inspection teaches you something new—about your bees, and about yourself.