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Informed Inspections

- If you intend to inspect a few hives at an apiary and you know that there is a temperamental colony amongst them, leave this hive until last so as to reduce the risk of being surrounded by aggressive bees during most of your manipulations. Preferably requeen at the earliest opportunity! (Tim Foden)

- After smoking the hive entrance and whilst waiting for a couple of minutes to elapse, use the time to remind yourself of your specific objectives for that inspection so that you are both relaxed and focused when you begin. (Tim Foden)

- Taking a frame out of the hive and placing it to one side whilst making an inspection seems simple enough but there is a right way to ensure stability and minimise crushing and upset for the bees. Having the rails of your hive stand set apart so that the frame simply slots in between them is the obvious solution, but if the rails are not the correct distance apart, or if you are putting the frame down on the grass, use the following three point contact rule: The frame should have the top and bottom corners of one short side on the ground with the other end of the top bar in contact with, and sloping towards the hive. (Mike Townsend)

- Light your chosen smoker fuel and then add a twist of fresh, green grass on top before you close the lid. Not only will this prevent any sparks from leaving the spout when you pump the bellows, but it will also make the smoke cooler and sweeter for the bees. (Mick Smith)

- To put the smoker out, lie it back on its bellows and help starve the fuel of oxygen by inserting a cork into the end of the spout. (You will need to have whittled the cork to the right size.) This also ensures that the smoker is sealed really well for transporting in your car. (Mick Smith)

- Keep a tin or tupperware box for collecting up any bits of brace or burr comb which you remove during your inspections. This helps to reduce robbing and to prevent the spread of disease, and it can be added to the wax obtained during decapping - all of which can ultimately be recycled. (Mick Smith)

- Observe the bees at the hive entrance before smoking them to get used to recognising normal activity from unusual activity. (Brian Milward)

- Use a spare nucleus or hive body to hold frames removed during inspections rather than propping them against the outside of the hive. (Brian Milward)

- Use cover cloths (also known as manipulation cloths) to deter the bees from flying up to the light and to maintain the hive temperature. (Brian Milward)

- A spray of water is often better than using smoke to control the bees, as the former will calm them down whilst the latter may make them panic. (Brian Milward)

- It is often useful to temporarily trap the queen in a cage or matchbox to avoid losing or damaging her. For example, during a Bailey comb change. (Brian Milward)

- A bunch of long grass is useful as a "bee brush" if needed and is also a good way of plugging the neck of the smoker after use. (Brian Milward)

- Whether you are a beginner, when every step is new, or a more experienced beekeeper who is tackling an unfamiliar manipulation for the first time, it helps to jot down a few notes before leaving for the apiary. Using an aide-memoire will remind you of the equipment required and the correct sequence of activities, as well as providing you with a simple checklist upon completion. (Celia Davis)

- Routinely smoke your hands/gloves before a manipulation, to deter curious bees. Equally, should you get stung, a blast of smoke to the affected area will help to mask the smell of venom. (John Home)

- Carefully remove any brace comb from the queen excluder at the start of an inspection when fewer bees will be airborne, rather than at the point of reassembly when there may be bees in the air. (Bob Gilbert)

- Before getting into your car, sweep your bee brush behind your knees, between your legs and under your arms, since it has been known for the odd bee to get trapped in a fold of material and these tender areas are particularly painful if stung! (Belinda of BBwear)

- It is good practice to get into the habit of simply glancing back at the apiary before finally vacating the site, just to ensure that everything is as it should be and that you haven't left any equipment behind, or dropped anything on the way out. (Ian Homer)

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