Bare

Main concern

The colony appears healthy and queen-right with good stores and space.

Next inspection aim

Continue routine monitoring for health, stores, and space, keeping an eye on varroa levels.

What to bring

• Smoker
• Hive tool
• Clean gloves
• Record sheet/app
• Camera/phone

Step-by-step plan

1. Light your smoker and prepare your equipment.
2. Approach the hive calmly, puffing a little smoke.
3. Open the hive and check for general activity and temperament.
4. Inspect frames for brood pattern, presence of queen, eggs, larvae, and stores.
5. Check for any signs of disease or pests.
6. Assess the space available for the colony.
7. If stores appear lower than expected, note this for lead beekeeper discussion.
8. Close the hive carefully, ensuring all frames are back in place.

Do not do

• Do not undertake routine inspections during heavy rain, thunderstorms, or high winds.
• Avoid leaving brood exposed for long periods, especially in very hot weather.
• Do not inspect other colonies with the same gloves or tools without cleaning them.

Escalate if

• No eggs and no queen seen
• No young larvae
• Queen cells present
• Sudden drop in colony strength
• Very low stores
• Significant aggression
• Suspicious signs of disease (e.g., foulbrood, chalkbrood)
• Signs of exotic pests (e.g., small hive beetle, Tropilaelaps mite)
• Dead bees in unusual numbers or condition
• Hive damage or signs of robbing/wasp pressure
• Volunteer notes 'urgent concern'