Step-by-Step Guide to Hive Inspections
This article is part of our complete guide to Starting Beekeeping in South Africa.
Regular hive inspections are essential for maintaining healthy colonies and managing productivity.
In South Africa, where climate conditions vary by region, knowing how and when to inspect your hives helps you detect early signs of disease, overcrowding, or queen failure.
This guide outlines a practical inspection routine suitable for both beginner and intermediate beekeepers.
Why Do Hive Inspections?
- Check for brood health, eggs, and queen activity
- Identify signs of pests like varroa mite or small hive beetle
- Monitor honey and pollen stores
- Prevent swarming through early detection
Best Time for Inspections
- Warm, calm days with clear skies
- Between 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM when most foragers are out
- Avoid rainy, windy, or cold mornings—bees are more defensive
How Often to Inspect
- Spring to summer: Every 7–10 days during build-up and honey flow
- Autumn to winter: Every 3–4 weeks or only if needed in colder areas
- During droughts: Check for feed, stress, and robbing
What You Need
- Hive tool and bee smoker
- Clean protective gear
- Notebook or inspection app (for records)
- Spare frames, feeder, or queen cage (if needed)
Step-by-Step Inspection Process
1. Approach the Hive Calmly
- Observe flight activity at the entrance
- Light your smoker and puff a few times at the entrance
2. Open the Hive
- Remove the lid and gently puff smoke under the cover
- Lift off the inner cover carefully
- Place parts on a clean surface or stand
3. Start with Outer Frames
- Remove one edge frame to make space
- Inspect for honey or pollen
- Place it aside carefully to avoid crushing bees
4. Inspect Brood Frames
- Look for:
- Eggs and larvae (sign of active queen)
- Solid brood patterns (healthy queen and colony)
- Queen cells or swarm cells
- Signs of disease (spotty brood, chalkbrood, foulbrood)
- Check at least 2–3 brood frames thoroughly
5. Check Food Stores
- Look for capped honey, nectar, and pollen
- Estimate whether feeding is needed
6. Locate or Infer Queen Presence
- You don’t always need to see her – fresh eggs and young larvae confirm she’s there
- If no eggs are seen and brood is patchy, mark hive for follow-up
7. Inspect for Pests and Damage
- Look for small hive beetles running on frames
- Check floor for varroa mite drop or wax moth signs
- Confirm box condition (no cracks, leaks, ant trails)
8. Reassemble the Hive
- Gently return frames in the original order
- Place inner cover and lid
- Add a rock or brick on top if in windy area
9. Record Your Findings
- Note queen status, brood pattern, stores, and issues
- Track seasonal patterns and colony behaviour over time
Tips for a Productive Inspection
- Avoid overuse of smoke—it can drive bees deeper into the hive
- Don’t crush bees between frames
- Work smoothly and avoid sudden movements
- Inspect fewer hives more carefully than rushing many
Final Thoughts
Hive inspections help you keep bees healthy and productive.
By learning what to look for and maintaining calm handling, even new beekeepers in South Africa can manage strong colonies that survive droughts, resist pests, and produce quality honey year after year.