Beekeepers can Now Inspect Hives Without Disturbance

New research has discovered that gently tapping the outside of a hive and recording the collective response of honeybees can provide insights into the health of the colony, eliminating the need for intrusive inspections.

As of the latest count, it is estimated that there are between 115,000 to 125,000 beekeepers in the US, the majority of whom pursue beekeeping as a hobby. Notably, there has been a noticeable increase in the ownership of honeybee colonies in recent years, driven by amateur beekeepers who aim to contribute to the preservation of these vital pollinators while also producing their own honey.

Challenges in Honeybee Management

However, managing honeybees can pose challenges. Colonies adhere to distinct activity cycles throughout the year, being notably active in warmer seasons and less so in colder ones. Hence, regular monitoring is essential to ensure their health and productivity. Beekeepers traditionally inspect hives by opening them, but this invasive approach can potentially harm the colony, especially the crucial queen.

A recent study, led by researchers from Nottingham Trent University in the UK, proposes a solution: assessing hive health by softly tapping the hive and listening for the bees’ collective reaction.

“It’s akin to a hibernating bear; sometimes, it’s challenging to discern if the animal is alive,” explained Martin Bencsik, the lead and corresponding author of the study. “A soft tap, eliciting a small yet detectable reaction, can indicate whether the animal is in its usual state or not.”

The researchers’ method of delivering the ‘gentle tap’ involved using an electromagnetic shaker affixed to the outer wall of the hive, which delivered taps at random intervals. A computer controlled this shaker, delivering a pulse lasting 0.1 second at a frequency of 340 Hz. To gauge the honeybees’ reaction, researchers embedded an accelerometer in the center of the hive’s frame, enabling it to detect the insects’ vibrations.

During summer, healthy colonies were too occupied with foraging, caring for their young, and maintaining the hive to notice the pulse significantly. Their response signal was minimal, indicating normal behavior. As winter neared, the response intensified, suggesting the bees were huddling together for warmth, a positive sign of their well-being.

Colony Showing Strong Buzzing Responses

One of the colonies under study consistently exhibited strong buzzing responses throughout the summer, signaling deteriorating health. While not conclusive, researchers believe this response may indicate health issues during the active season.

Bencsik highlighted that bees should be restful in winter and active in summer unless they are unwell. Their method evaluates colony mobility, clustering, and restfulness, even identifying the absence of the queen during the active season.

This approach provides an objective assessment of colony health inside the hive, potentially offering insights into colony size. The study aims to develop a device for real-time monitoring of colony health to assist beekeepers in managing their colonies more effectively.

The research, which also included scholars from Ghent University, Belgium, and Coimbra University in Portugal, was published in the journal Scientific Reports.

Read the original article on: New Atlas

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