Beehive Inspection Procedures

Away from his work at Louisville Oral Surgery and Dental Implants, Christopher C. “Chris” Babcock, DMD, MD, enjoys a variety of hobbies. Dr. Christopher C. Babcock, MD, is interested in playing guitar, learning to read music, and beekeeping.

If you own a beehive, it requires different upkeep tasks depending on the time of year. In springtime, bees’ activity increases, so check them on a windless, sunny day at least 50 degrees Fahrenheit. Smoke the hive before checking on the presence and color of eggs and larvae. Healthy larvae are white or gray, and healthy eggs stand upright in their cells. Unhealthy larvae and unhealthy eggs are brown or yellow.

During the fall, determine how much supplemental nutrients the hive needs to survive. Syrup containing extra sugar and or specialized nutrient supplements, alongside a pollen patty, compacted mass of pollen, when needed, can help compensate for winter’s low nectar levels. Purchase a tarp or wrapping tailored to insulate the hive against heat loss. Check for pests that could endanger the hive, like those that may eat larvae or eggs, and perform measures such as deep-freezing the combs to kill insects, if needed.