How often should hives be inspected during the active season?

During the active season, which typically spans from spring to fall when bees are most active in foraging and brood-rearing, inspecting hives every 7 to 10 days is crucial for maintaining the health and productivity of the colony. This frequency allows beekeepers to monitor the bees for signs of disease, pest infestations, and to check the overall condition of the queen and brood.

Regular inspections within this timeframe enable beekeepers to take timely action if problems arise, such as treatments for pests like Varroa mites or ensuring that the queen is laying eggs properly. This schedule strikes a balance, allowing sufficient observation of the hive dynamics without overly disturbing the bees, which could lead to stress and reduced productivity.

Inspecting more frequently, such as every day, could disrupt the colony excessively, making it difficult for bees to carry on their normal activities. On the other hand, inspecting only once a month would likely result in missed signs of problems that could threaten the colony's health well before the next scheduled check. Therefore, inspecting hives every 7 to 10 days is the ideal approach for effective hive management.