How to Inspect a Honeybee Hive: Sit Down, Slow Down, and Bee Curious
How to Inspect a Honeybee Hive
How to Inspect a Honeybee Hive: Sit Down, Slow Down, and Bee Curious
By Mark Vanderende | The Foraging Bee
Opening a hive is one of the most humbling and insightful experiences in beekeeping. Each frame reveals a living story—of growth, balance, challenge, and purpose. Whether you're just beginning your journey or managing multiple hives, inspections are essential to understanding what your bees need—and when they need it.
At The Foraging Bee, we believe that great beekeeping starts with observation, intuition, and a whole lot of curiosity. Let’s walk through how to inspect a hive—step by step, with a few personal tips and philosophies along the way.
🐝 Why Hive Inspections Matter
Hive inspections help you:
Confirm the queen is present and laying
Monitor brood health and colony strength
Track nectar flow and food reserves
Spot pests or diseases early
Prevent swarming by catching the signs
More than anything, inspections keep you connected to your bees and their rhythm—season after season.
🌼 When to Inspect
Spring–Early Summer: Every 7–10 days (especially during swarm season)
Mid–Late Summer: Every 2–3 weeks
Fall–Winter: Only when necessary (avoid breaking the cluster)
Choose a warm, calm, dry day, ideally mid-morning to early afternoon when most foragers are out.
👁️ Start With the Front Door
Before lifting the lid, stop and observe the hive entrance. It can tell you a lot.
Are bees flying steadily in and out?
Are they carrying pollen?
Any signs of robbing or stress?
“The front of the hive is your first inspection. I always pause to watch—it tells me if the bees are calm, productive, or if something feels off.”
🔍 Mark’s Tilt & Peek Trick
“If you want a quick check without a full inspection, try a ‘slide-back-and-tilt.’ Slide the box back slightly, use a little smoke, and tilt the top box to peek at the bottom frames.”
Use this to check:
Presence of eggs or larvae
Queen cells or swarm prep
How many frames are covered in bees
This is especially helpful in swarm season or when time or weather is tight.
🧰 Tools You’ll Need
Smoker (lit and ready!)
Hive tool (bring two!)
Bee suit or veil
Notebook or inspection journal
Queen cage (for splits or swarm control)
Optional: camera, frame rest, queen marker
“I never inspect without a lit smoker, two hive tools, and a queen cage. Being prepared lets you move smoothly and handle whatever the bees throw at you.”
👀 Step-by-Step Hive Inspection
1. Approach Calmly
Gently puff smoke at the entrance and under the lid. Wait 30 seconds. Move slowly and purposefully.
“I like to sit beside the hive during inspections. When you’re comfortable, you move better. You see more. Bees respond to your calm.”
2. Open the Hive
Remove the outer and inner covers carefully. Bees use propolis to glue everything down, so take your time and use your hive tool gently.
3. Start From the Side
Remove the outermost frame first—it’s usually honey or pollen—and set it aside safely. This gives you space to work without crushing bees.
4. Inspect Each Frame
Look for:
Queen signs – Eggs, young larvae, or the queen herself
Brood pattern – Even, solid, and healthy
Food stores – Capped honey, nectar, and pollen
Pests or issues – Varroa, deformed wings, chalkbrood, etc.
Space – Is there enough room for brood or nectar expansion?
5. Train Your Senses
“Beekeeping is a sensory art. I use my eyes, ears, nose, and feel. The hum, the smell, the energy of the bees—they all tell you what’s going on.”
If something doesn’t feel right:
Take detailed notes
Snap photos or video
Step back and review later
Reach out to a mentor or your local group
“The best beekeepers know when to pause and ask questions. That’s where learning happens.”
✍️ Keep Records
Tracking what you see helps you recognize patterns over time.
🪶 Use a Journal
I’ve created a free Beekeeper’s Journal to help you record inspections, observations, and seasonal changes.
📥 Click here to download The Foraging Bee Journal (PDF)
🧹 Clean as You Go
During your inspection, remove burr comb, scrape propolis buildup, and check for cracks or loose hardware.
“Every inspection is a tune-up. A clean hive is a healthy hive—and easier to work next time.”
🧠 Final Pro Tip: Less Is Best
“If you see fresh eggs, healthy brood, and calm bees—and there are no signs of trouble—close it up. No need to dig further and risk rolling the queen. Trust your senses. Let them bee.”
🐝 Let’s Bee Curious Together
Want to keep learning, growing, and exploring with your bees? Here’s how to stay connected:
🎥 Watch Edu-🐝
Join me in the yard through Edu-🐝, where I walk through real inspections and share seasonal tips.
👉 Sign up for Edu-🐝 now »
🧭 Join My Mentorship Program
Whether you’re just starting or want to deepen your skills, I offer 1:1 coaching and seasonal support.
📩 DM me @foragingbee or visit the Mentorship page.
🌼 Attend a Workshop
Get hands-on with hives, swarms, seasonal prep, and more in one of my live outdoor workshops.
🌐 View upcoming dates and book your spot »
📓 Download Your Free Beekeeping Journal
Track your inspections like a pro.
🖇️ Download it here
Connect | Explore | Sustain
That’s The Foraging Bee way.