Remote Beehive Monitoring: Colony Health Indicators & Beekeeper Alerting

[Patrick Laslett]

Why is HiveBeat monitoring critical for beehive health? 

HiveBeat is a remote beehive monitoring and alerting solution designed to aid colony health, increase honey yield and ensure effective beekeeping for Hobbyists & Commercial - saving time, money and resources.

There are several options of beehive monitoring on the market today, but we're the only solution to be proud to be made in Britain! We're also advocates for listening to fellow Beekeepers, so we've written an article discussing monitoring necessity below:

1. Early Detection of Environmental Stressors

Bees are highly sensitive to changes in their environment. Factors like temperature fluctuations, humidity imbalances, and improper ventilation can cause significant stress to a colony. A sudden cold snap, overheating, or excessive moisture inside the hive can lead to health problems, weakened bees, or even colony collapse.

By continuously monitoring these factors, beekeepers can detect environmental stressors early. For instance, HiveBeats system tracks hive temperature and humidity in real-time, alerting beekeepers to any abnormalities. If the hive is overheating during the summer, immediate action—such as providing shade or improving ventilation—can prevent stress-related illnesses. Similarly, monitoring humidity levels helps to avoid the build-up of mould and harmful bacteria, which thrive in overly damp conditions.

2. Improving Brood Health and Development

The brood—the eggs, larvae, and pupae that develop into adult bees—require stable conditions to thrive. A hive’s internal temperature must remain between 89.6°F and 95°F (32°C to 35°C) for proper brood development. If the temperature fluctuates outside this range, it can stunt the growth of the young bees and lead to higher mortality rates.

HiveBeat’s monitoring technology ensures that beekeepers have continuous access to temperature data. If the internal temperature drops too low or rises too high, beekeepers can act quickly to regulate it, whether by adjusting the hive’s insulation or ventilation. This ability to maintain an optimal environment for brood health can significantly improve hive productivity and the overall health of the bee colony.

3. Swarm Management and Colony Losses

Swarming is a natural part of honeybee behaviour, but it can result in a weakened colony as a large portion of the bees leave the hive with the old queen to establish a new colony. This not only reduces the workforce in the original hive but also disrupts honey production.

HiveBeat monitors the internal activity of the hive and detects early signs of swarming, such as increased hive movement or a sudden spike in temperature due to overcrowding. Armed with this data, beekeepers can intervene by providing more space, splitting the hive, or managing the queen, thus reducing the likelihood of a swarm.

4. Pest and Disease Management

One of the biggest threats to honeybee colonies is the spread of pests and diseases, such as Varroa mites, Nosema, or American foulbrood. These issues can rapidly spread through a colony and lead to devastating losses if not detected in time.

While HiveBeat’s sensors don’t directly monitor for pests and diseases, they do track changes in hive conditions that may signal their presence. For example, a drop in internal hive temperature or a reduction in hive activity could indicate that the colony is under attack or suffering from a disease. Beekeepers can use this early warning to inspect the hive, identify the issue, and treat it before it spirals out of control.

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If you have any questions, or want to discuss any information... we'd love to hear from you! Come and join the colony:

in...@hivebeat.co.uk 

+447466172176