Spring Reanimation of the Apiary: Strategy and Technique of the Main Inspection of Bee Colonies

Apiary work after wintering is divided into two stages: a rescue superficial inspection and the proper, detailed spring revision. The aim of these activities is not only to take stock of losses, but above all to create conditions for rapid development of colony strength before the main nectar flow.

1. Superficial inspection

The first work begins on the day of the first cleansing flight, when the temperature in the shade reaches 10–12 °C.

1. Observation of the entrance: Colonies that are not flying or showing agitation (chaotic running, emitting a mournful, uneven hum) should be identified, as this suggests queenlessness.
2. Quick check of stores: Without removing the frames, after slightly lifting the crown board, the presence of honey in the upper parts of the combs is checked.
3. Emergency assistance: Starving colonies must be given warmed honey frames (at a temperature of 40–50 °C) or thick honey-sugar candy directly above the cluster.
4. Preliminary hygiene: The floors must be cleaned of the residue of dead bees to prevent the decomposition of their bodies and to facilitate ventilation.

2. Main spring revision (Detailed)

This procedure is carried out on a quiet, sunny day at a temperature of no less than 14–15 °C.

Key condition assessment:

• Colony strength: Colonies occupying 8–9 standard frames (435x300 mm) in spring are considered strong, 7–8 frames average, and fewer than 5–6 frames weak.
• Food stores: A safe amount of food in the brood nest is (at least 1.5–2 kg per each frame occupied by bees) and 1–2 frames of pollen.
• Queen quality: Assessed on the basis of compact brood; scattered brood (so-called „mosaic” pattern) or its absence with laying workers present qualifies the queen for replacement.

3. Tasks performed

Hygiene and disinfection All colonies, and especially weak ones, must be rehoused in clean, disinfected hives.

• Step 1: Move the old hive to the side and place a clean brood box in its place.
• Step 2: Clean the frames of wax and propolis. Those with faecal stains (a sign of nosema) must be REMOVED and sent for melting down.
• Step 3: Disinfect the replaced hive parts (with a gas torch flame until the wood is lightly browned, or with a 2% caustic soda solution in the case of polystyrene hives).

Thermal regulation Radical brood nest contraction is used to accelerate development.

• Step 1: Remove all frames not densely covered with bees.
• Step 2: Some beekeepers separate the brood frames from the rest of the stores with a dummy board, leaving a gap at the bottom. The bees pass behind the dummy board to reach the food, but the cluster remains concentrated in a smaller space, maintaining the temperature of 34–35 °C necessary for larval rearing. However, this method can be risky due to the return of frosts – in that case, the bees cling to the brood frames but may have difficulty accessing the food stores. Therefore, a frame with food or honey-sugar candy should be placed directly above the cluster.

Stimulative feeding If natural nectar flow is absent, stimulation is applied.

• Syrup: Portions of 150–200 g (or up to 0.5 l) of warm sugar syrup at a concentration of 1:1 or 1:2 are given daily or every other day.
• Prophylactic additives: Acetic acid (3 ml of essence per 10 l) or aloe juice can be added to the syrup, which improves the condition of the bees’ intestines after winter.

4. Diagnosis and disease prevention

During the inspection, samples of bees must be collected for laboratory testing. In the event of dysentery being detected (stains on the combs), the soiled frames must be removed immediately and food with the addition of medication administered.

Summary: Spring success depends on the speed of completing the work (so as not to chill the brood nest) and on providing the colonies with an „excess” of warmth and food. A correctly carried out inspection should result in an increase in the amount of brood of 40–50% compared to colonies left without care.