There are many beekeeping practices still in use today that date back generations. While some of these methods remain useful, others should have been left in the past. Unfortunately, outdated techniques often persist because they continue to be shared through beekeeping literature and instruction, thereby reinforcing habits that may no longer serve us—or our bees—well.
After spending more than 50 years among the bees—learning, experimenting, adapting, and discarding ineffective methods—I’ve developed a practice that has stood the test of time. This approach has helped me become a more effective and successful beekeeper. I’ve documented many of these improvements in my two published books, and I hope they will serve as a helpful guide to others in the beekeeping community.
A Better Way to Perform a Hive Inspection
One of the first things new beekeepers are often taught is to smoke the hive entrance before opening it. The belief is that the bees, sensing fire, gorge themselves on honey in preparation to flee. In reality, they are scrambling to find clean air, much like someone escaping smoke from a house fire. This behaviour creates unnecessary chaos in the hive and makes it much harder to locate the queen.
Instead, try lightly wafting a small amount of smoke across the top of the frames—never down between them. Avoid smoking the hive entrance altogether. If the bees pour out aggressively without entrance smoke, it’s a sign the colony is too defensive and may need requeening.
Step-by-Step Guide to a Thoughtful Hive Inspection
- Start with the Second Comb
Always begin by gently prying up the second comb closest to you. The first comb is typically fixed to the hive wall at several points and is easily damaged if removed first. - Look Ahead, Not in Hand
After removing the second comb, hold it to the side and inspect the face of the third comb still in the hive. This “look ahead” method makes it easier to spot the queen. Don’t worry about inspecting the comb in your hand for the queen right away—if she’s there, you’ve already got her. - Inspect, Then Set Aside
If the queen isn’t on the face of the third comb, inspect the second comb in your hand for disease, food stores, population, and frame condition. Then, stand it on its end against the back of the hive or place it in a covered brood box to avoid robbing. Leaving this comb out gives you more space to work. (Mann Lake offers a handy comb rack that hooks onto the hive side for resting combs safely.) - Continue with the Third Comb
Remove the third comb, hold it aside, and inspect the face of the fourth comb for the queen. - Reposition the Third Comb
After examining the third comb, return it to the hive next to the first comb still positioned against the wall. - Repeat the Process
Remove the fourth comb, check the fifth for the queen, and so on. Always work one frame ahead visually.
Important Note: If you find the queen at any point, inspect her carefully and gently return her frame to the hive. Never place the queen’s frame outside the hive, regardless of its position.
- Work Systematically to the End
Continue the process until you reach the final comb against the opposite wall. - Reinsert the First Comb Last
To inspect the first comb, push it forward slightly before lifting it—this avoids damaging it. Inspect it and return it to its original position against the wall. - Restore Order
Finally, return the second comb (the one initially removed and set aside) to its original position in the hive. All frames should now be back in their initial order, and your inspection is complete.
A Word on Marked Queens
It’s important to train yourself to look for the queen, not just the coloured dot on her back. Beekeepers who rely solely on the dot may miss her if the mark has faded or if she’s been replaced by an unmarked queen. Use the dot as a helpful tool—not your main strategy—for finding her.
Strive for Minimal Disruption
You’ll know you’ve become skilled in handling your hive when you can watch the queen calmly continue laying eggs during your inspection. That’s the ultimate sign of a non-invasive, respectful approach—one that keeps the colony as undisturbed as possible.
Enjoy your bees, and let your care for them be guided by thoughtfulness, observation, and a willingness to evolve.
This article was written by Dennis Brown, a veteran beekeeper from Bryan, Texas (U.S.A.), with over 50 years of beekeeping experience since beginning in 1964. At one time, he managed 250 hives, raised his own queens, and performed all the duties of a commercial beekeeper. Dennis adapted or completely discarded many traditional beekeeping management practices found in books. Throughout his years with bees, he never introduced chemicals into his hives. Years ago, he started a “Survival of the Fittest” program that eliminated the need for chemicals. Dennis was a very successful beekeeper and enjoyed every minute of it. While there is much more to share about his beekeeping journey than space allows, his books capture the many changes and insights he developed over his career.
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