Dashon Honey — Beekeeping Quiz

How Monitoring Hive Weight Helps Detect Swarming

 

Introduction

Swarming is one of the most remarkable behaviors in honey bee biology...

 

Introduction

Swarming is one of the most remarkable behaviors in honey bee biology. It is the colony’s way of reproducing, ensuring survival and genetic diversity. However, for beekeepers, swarming can pose serious challenges: a substantial portion of the colony departs, honey yields decrease, and overall productivity suffers. Traditionally, beekeepers rely on inspections to anticipate swarming by looking for queen cells or congestion in the hive. While effective, this method is laborious and disruptive to bees.

Recent advances in precision apiculture now allow for continuous, non-invasive monitoring of colonies using electronic hive scales. By recording hive weight trends in real time, these systems provide a clear signal of swarming events and sometimes even hints of impending swarms. This blog explains how weight monitoring works, what recent studies have shown, and how beekeepers can apply this knowledge to improve colony management.

The Biological Basis of Hive Weight Loss During Swarming

When a colony swarms, the old queen departs with thousands of workers—often between 40% and 60% of the hive’s population. Before leaving, workers gorge on honey to sustain the swarm during relocation. This mass departure, combined with the loss of honey carried in bees’ crops, leads to a sudden, sharp decrease in hive weight. Unlike normal daily fluctuations caused by nectar intake or evaporation, this weight drop is both abrupt and permanent.

For example, a swarm weighing 2–3 kilograms can leave a clear trace on a hive’s weight graph: within minutes, the colony’s mass decreases substantially and does not return to its previous baseline. Recognizing this signature allows beekeepers to distinguish swarming from other events such as foraging variation or weather-related changes.

Hive Weight Patterns Under Normal Conditions

Understanding daily weight cycles is essential to spotting anomalies. During daylight hours, foragers return with nectar and pollen, increasing the hive’s mass. Overnight, weight typically declines slightly as bees consume stores and water evaporates from nectar during honey ripening (Cecchi et al., 2020).

Because these cycles are predictable, deviations stand out. A sudden multi-kilogram drop within an hour is not part of the normal rhythm. Instead, it strongly indicates a swarm departure. Studies have shown that monitoring hive weight continuously at short intervals (5–15 minutes) makes it possible to catch these changes with high accuracy (Kulyukin et al., 2025).

Recent Research Evidence

Smart Monitoring Systems

Cecchi et al. (2020) developed a sensor-based hive monitoring system that integrated sound and weight data. Their research confirmed that while sound can provide useful supplementary cues, the clearest and most reliable indicator of swarming is a sudden weight drop. This reinforces hive weight as the cornerstone metric for swarm detection.

Predictability of Hive Weight

Kulyukin et al. (2025) analyzed high-frequency weight and in-hive temperature data from ten colonies. Their results demonstrated that weight is more consistent and predictable than temperature, making it a robust variable for identifying anomalies like swarming. This reliability enhances its value in automated monitoring systems that aim to send real-time alerts.

Landscape-Level Insights

Czekońska et al. (2023) studied hive weight patterns across different landscapes. While the focus was primarily on foraging and colony productivity, the study underscored how hive weight reflects major colony behaviors. Although not exclusively about swarming, the findings confirm that hive weight is an accurate proxy for colony status across environments.

Swarm Rates and Timing

Rutschmann (2025) examined swarming in unmanaged honey bee colonies, reporting on swarm rates, timing, and average swarm masses. The study highlighted how natural swarms consistently involve substantial colony weight loss, aligning with observations from managed hives. This provides contemporary confirmation that swarm weight changes are a reliable biological phenomenon detectable with electronic scales.

Practical Applications for Beekeepers

Real-Time Alerts

Modern hive scales can be connected to mobile applications. By setting weight-loss thresholds (for example, 2 kg within an hour), beekeepers can receive instant notifications of a swarm event. Since swarms often cluster nearby for hours before relocating, these alerts give a crucial opportunity to retrieve the swarm.

Early Warnings

Plateaus or slowdowns in hive weight gain during nectar flows may suggest swarming preparation. While not definitive on their own, these patterns can signal the need for timely inspections, allowing beekeepers to intervene by adding space, splitting colonies, or removing queen cells.

Assessing Swarm Size and Colony Recovery

The magnitude of a weight drop can provide insight into how many bees departed. A large drop indicates a major reduction in workforce and may require corrective action, such as feeding or equalizing colony strength. Continuous monitoring after the swarm also shows how quickly the colony rebounds.

Long-Term Record Keeping

Weight data archived over multiple seasons helps identify patterns. For example, repeated swarms around the same period each year can inform adjustments to management calendars. This data-driven approach improves preparedness and reduces losses over time.

Limitations and Considerations

Despite its promise, hive weight monitoring is not infallible. External disturbances such as rain accumulation, hive manipulation, or strong winds can cause sudden changes that mimic swarm signatures. Equipment quality also matters: high-resolution sensors are necessary to capture subtle changes, and poorly calibrated devices may introduce noise. For best results, hive weight should be interpreted alongside other observations such as brood condition, colony congestion, and weather.

Nonetheless, as research and technology continue to advance, hive scales are proving to be a practical and powerful tool in precision apiculture.

Conclusion

Swarming is a natural behavior with significant management implications. Electronic hive scales provide a non-invasive way to detect swarming by capturing its unique weight signature—a sudden, sharp, and sustained drop. Recent peer-reviewed research between 2020 and 2025 consistently highlights hive weight as one of the most reliable indicators of colony events, outperforming other single-sensor metrics.

For beekeepers, the implications are clear: integrating hive weight monitoring into management practices allows for real-time alerts, better preparedness, and long-term insights into colony behavior. By embracing this technology, beekeepers can reduce losses from swarming, improve productivity, and bring data-driven precision to an ancient practice.

 

 

Meta Title: Hive Humidity: Science-Based Insights for Brood, Honey, and Colony Health

Meta Description: Discover how hive humidity affects honey bee health, brood development, and honey quality—plus science-backed tools to monitor and manage beehive moisture.

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How Moisture Levels Decide a Hive’s Fate

Introduction

Humidity inside a beehive is far more than a background environmental factor—it is a critical regulator of colony survival and productivity. Relative humidity (RH) influences everything from egg hatching success to honey fermentation risk and even the reproductive cycle of pests such as Varroa destructor.

Honey bees (Apis mellifera) have evolved sophisticated behavioral and physiological mechanisms to regulate internal moisture, often counteracting extreme variations in outside weather. For beekeepers, understanding these processes and learning how to measure and manage humidity can mean the difference between a thriving colony and one under stress.

 

Optimal Humidity Ranges in the Hive

The ideal humidity level varies depending on the location within the hive and the activity taking place.

In the brood nest, bees maintain RH between 50% and 75%, with research showing that egg hatch rates are highest when RH in capped brood cells reaches 90–95% (Doull, 1976; Human et al., 2006). Below 50% RH, eggs desiccate and larvae fail to develop properly.

In the honey storage areas, the target range is lower—around 50–60% RH. This allows bees to evaporate nectar to the desired 16–18% water content, creating honey that resists fermentation during storage (Seeley, 1995).

Maintaining these precise microclimates requires active regulation, even when ambient RH is much higher in tropical regions or much lower in arid zones.

 

How Honey Bees Regulate Humidity

Honey bees use a combination of evaporative cooling, ventilation, and water handling to control moisture levels.

Water collection is a key step. Foragers gather water from nearby sources, then deposit droplets onto the comb surface near brood areas. Worker bees fan their wings to evaporate the water, which raises local humidity (Human et al., 2006).

If moisture is excessive, bees reverse the process—ventilating the hive by positioning themselves at entrances and fanning to expel humid air, replacing it with drier outside air (Kronenberg & Heller, 1982).

During colder months, bees cluster tightly. This behavior conserves heat and also traps moisture, creating a stable brood environment even in winter.

 

Consequences of Imbalanced Humidity

Brood Development

Relative humidity is vital for brood survival. Doull (1976) demonstrated that eggs exposed to less than 50% RH had near-zero hatch rates. At optimal RH levels, eggs hatch successfully, and larvae maintain proper hydration for healthy pupation.

Honey Quality and Storage

Excessive humidity (>60% RH in honey supers) can cause capped honey to absorb moisture from the air, increasing the risk of fermentation. Conversely, too little humidity accelerates crystallization and changes honey texture (Seeley, 1995).

Adult Bee Health

Chronic exposure to low humidity, particularly in high-temperature environments, can shorten worker bee lifespans and weaken foraging efficiency (Human et al., 2006). High humidity may also promote mold and bacterial growth on comb surfaces.

Varroa Mite Control

Interestingly, high brood nest humidity (>80% RH) has been shown to limit Varroa destructor reproduction (Kraus & Velthuis, 1997). While not a complete control method, maintaining higher humidity during brood rearing could be part of an integrated pest management approach.

 

Seasonal and Regional Influences

Environmental context shapes humidity regulation.

In arid climates, bees may collect up to 1 liter of water per day during peak summer to cool and humidify the hive (Gary, 1975). This behavior is critical for preventing brood dehydration.

In humid tropical regions, the challenge is the opposite—reducing hive RH below ambient levels to enable nectar curing. Even with active ventilation, bees may struggle to achieve optimal honey storage conditions during rainy seasons.

In temperate regions, winter poses a unique threat. Moisture from bee respiration can condense on cold inner surfaces of the hive, dripping onto the cluster and chilling bees. Proper insulation and moisture-absorbing materials, such as quilt boxes, help maintain safe RH levels while preventing condensation damage.

 

Monitoring Hive Humidity

Accurate RH measurement inside the hive allows beekeepers to detect problems early and adjust management strategies.

Beginner options include inexpensive digital hygrometers or USB data loggers placed near brood frames. These can be checked during routine inspections.

Advanced solutions use Internet of Things (IoT) technology. Systems such as BroodMinder, Arnia, and BeeHero provide real-time humidity and temperature data, accessible via smartphone apps or web dashboards (Cecchi et al., 2020). These systems can alert beekeepers to sudden humidity changes, enabling rapid intervention before brood or honey quality is compromised.

Conclusion

Humidity is a silent yet powerful factor in beekeeping success. By maintaining optimal RH in both brood and honey areas, bees ensure reproductive success, preserve food stores, and even suppress pest populations.

For beekeepers, combining scientific understanding with practical monitoring tools offers the best path to supporting the bees’ natural regulation abilities. Whether managing hives in the desert, the tropics, or temperate climates, attention to humidity can significantly improve colony resilience and productivity.

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References

Cecchi, S., Spinsante, S., Terenzi, A., & Orcioni, S. (2020). A smart sensor-based measurement system for advanced bee hive monitoring. Sensors, 20(10), 2726. https://doi.org/10.3390/s20102726

Doull, K. M. (1976). The effects of different humidities on the hatching of the eggs of honeybees. Apidologie, 7(1), 61–66. https://doi.org/10.1051/apido:19760106

Ellis, J. D., Hayes, G. W., & Ellis, A. M. (2008). The efficacy of a bottom screen device, Apistan®, and Apilife VAR® in controlling Varroa destructor. American Bee Journal, 148(7), 555–560.

Gary, N. E. (1975). Activities and behavior of honey bees. In Dadant & Sons (Eds.), The hive and the honey bee (pp. 185–264). Dadant & Sons.

Human, H., Nicolson, S. W., & Dietemann, V. (2006). Do honeybees, Apis mellifera scutellata, regulate humidity in their nest? Naturwissenschaften, 93(8), 397–401. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00114-006-0126-2

Kraus, B., & Velthuis, H. H. W. (1997). High humidity in the honey bee (Apis mellifera L.) brood nest limits reproduction of the parasitic mite Varroa jacobsoni Oud. Naturwissenschaften, 84(5), 217–218. https://doi.org/10.1007/s001140050381

Kronenberg, F., & Heller, H. C. (1982). Colonial thermoregulation in honey bees (Apis mellifera). Journal of Comparative Physiology, 148(1), 65–76. https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00688889

Seeley, T. D. (1995). The wisdom of the hive: The social physiology of honey bee colonies. Harvard University Press.

 

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Honey Bee Pests

Introduction

Beekeeping is vital in Africa as a source of income and for crop pollination. However, honey bee colonies face threats from various pests (excluding diseases) that can weaken or destroy hives. In Africa – including Kenya – the most economically important bee pests include small hive beetles, large hive beetles, wax moths, and the Varroa mite. These pests cause direct damage by attacking brood, comb, or adult bees, and some also inflict indirect harm by spreading pathogens. This article helps beekeepers identify the major honey bee pests in Africa, explains their impact, and outlines effective control methods, with an emphasis on Kenyan contexts. All information is drawn from scientific and agricultural sources to ensure accuracy and relevance.

Varroa Mite (Varroa destructor)

Identification & Impact

The Varroa destructor mite is a tiny reddish-brown parasite (~1–1.5 mm) often seen on bees or within capped brood cells. It is considered one of the most devastating honey bee pests worldwide. Varroa mites feed on the fat bodies of developing bees and adults, weakening their immune systems and shortening their lifespan. More critically, Varroa acts as a vector for numerous lethal viruses, compounding its damage to colonies. In Kenya and East Africa, Varroa is now widespread (first detected in 2009), yet local African honey bee populations have shown notable resilience (Frazier et al., 2010; Muli et al., 2014).

Control Methods

Effective Varroa management uses an integrated pest management (IPM) approach. Beekeepers should monitor mite levels regularly (e.g. with sugar roll or sticky boards). Cultural and mechanical controls such as drone brood removal, screened bottom boards, and brood breaks can reduce mite populations. If thresholds are exceeded, strategic use of oxalic or formic acid may be needed. However, due to the natural tolerance of African bees, chemical treatments are often unnecessary (Gebremedhn et al., 2019).

Small Hive Beetle (Aethina tumida)

Identification & Impact

SHB is a small, oval beetle (5–7 mm) native to sub-Saharan Africa. In strong African colonies, beetles are usually kept in check, but in weak colonies they can cause substantial damage. SHB larvae feed on pollen, brood, and honey, fermenting the honey into a slimy, foul-smelling mess. The infestation may lead to colony collapse or absconding.

Control Methods

Prevention is key. Maintain strong colonies, avoid comb debris, and promptly remove harvested frames. SHB traps can help, especially when placed in the hive or underneath. Avoid excess space in hives that gives beetles hiding places. These techniques have been effective in African contexts (Roth, 2022).

Wax Moths (Greater and Lesser)

Identification & Impact

The greater (Galleria mellonella) and lesser (Achroia grisella) wax moths attack weak colonies or stored comb. Their larvae tunnel through wax comb, leaving behind silken webbing and damage. While not lethal to healthy hives, they exploit weakened colonies or neglected comb and accelerate collapse.

Control Methods

Keep colonies strong and brood nests compact. Store comb in airtight containers or freeze it to kill larvae and eggs. Discard comb heavily infested. Bright, ventilated storage areas deter moths. Good apiary hygiene prevents serious infestations (Nganso et al., 2025).

Large Hive Beetles (Oplostomus haroldi, O. fuligineus)

 

Identification & Impact

Native African beetles measuring 20–23 mm. These beetles chew on brood, pollen, and honey. In strong colonies, bees propolize and confine them, but weak hives can be devastated. Their life cycle often involves laying eggs in cow dung near hives, increasing risk in livestock-heavy areas (Wambua et al., 2019).

 

Control Methods

Keep colonies populous. Install physical barriers like entrance reducers. Regularly inspect and remove beetles manually. Avoid placing hives near dung accumulation sites.

Ants (Various Species)

Identification & Impact

Ants are opportunistic pests that steal honey and disturb colonies. Most are a nuisance, but aggressive species may force weak colonies to abscond. Colonies with low populations or hive boxes in contact with vegetation are more vulnerable.

Control Methods

Place hives on stands with legs in oil or water moats. Clear grass and branches touching hives. Grease legs or use sticky barriers. Baits may be placed around (not inside) apiaries for heavy infestations.

Conclusion

Kenyan and African beekeepers can manage honey bee pests effectively using Integrated Pest Management. Preventive strategies, strong colonies, hygienic practices, and physical barriers are often sufficient. Natural resilience of African bees reduces dependency on chemicals, supporting sustainable beekeeping.

References

Frazier, M., Muli, E., et al. (2010). Varroa destructor in East Africa: threat or opportunity? USDA ARS. https://www.ars.usda.gov/research/publications/publication/?seqNo115=242330

Muli, E., et al. (2014). Evaluation of the distribution and impacts of parasites and pathogens in East African honey bee populations. PLoS ONE, 9(4): e94459. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0094459

Gebremedhn, H., et al. (2019). Factors restraining Varroa destructor mite reproduction in Ethiopian honey bees. PLoS ONE, 14(10): e0223236. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0223236

Makori, D. M., et al. (2017). Predicting spatial distribution of key honeybee pests in Kenya using remotely sensed and bioclimatic variables. ISPRS Int. J. Geo-Inf., 6(3), 66. https://www.mdpi.com/2220-9964/6/3/66

Roth, M. (2022). Biology and management of the small hive beetle (Aethina tumida). J. Integ. Pest Manag., 13(1), 7. https://doi.org/10.1093/jipm/pmab025

Nganso, B. T., et al. (2025). Honey bee colony losses and causes during the active beekeeping season 2022/2023 in nine Sub-Saharan African countries. PLoS ONE, 20(7): e0322489. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0322489

Wambua, M. S., et al. (2019). Large hive beetles: an emerging serious honey bee pest in Kenya. Int. J. Trop. Insect Sci. https://doi.org/10.1080/0005772X.2019.1568355

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Hive Temperature and Thermoregulation in Honey Bees

Maintaining optimal hive temperature is critical for honey bee health, brood development, and honey production. Honey bees are remarkable in their ability to regulate internal temperatures, functioning collectively like a warm-blooded “superorganism” that maintains its brood nest between approximately 33 °C and 36 °C, even when outside conditions range from below freezing to extreme heat (Ellis, 2016; Stabentheiner et al., 2010). This article examines the ideal temperature ranges for bee activities, the biological mechanisms of thermoregulation, the consequences of temperature stress, scientific insights into bee physiology, and practical strategies for beekeepers to monitor and manage hive climate.

Optimal Hive Temperature Ranges for Brood, Colony Activity, and Honey Production

Brood rearing

Honey bee brood requires a narrow temperature range for normal development. The optimal brood nest temperature is about 34.5 °C, with an acceptable range of 32 °C to 36 °C (Ellis, 2016; Stabentheiner et al., 2010). Temperatures below ~28 °C or above ~37 °C can cause brood mortality or lead to deformities such as malformed wings and mouthparts, as well as reduced lifespans (Ellis, 2016).

Colony activity

Adult bees can function over a wider range of ambient temperatures but are most productive when the brood nest is warm, around 35 °C (The Apiarist, 2022). Flight activity usually occurs between 10 °C and 40 °C, with optimal foraging at 20–30 °C. At temperatures above the upper 30s Celsius, bees may reduce foraging or shift activity to cooler times of day.

Honey production

Temperature affects honey yield both indirectly and directly. Favorable outside conditions enhance nectar availability and foraging time. Inside the hive, bees regulate heat and airflow to cure nectar into honey by reducing its moisture content to ~18% before capping (BeeMD, 2024).

 

How Honey Bees Regulate Hive Temperature

Honey bees employ active and passive thermoregulation strategies to maintain suitable internal conditions throughout the year (The Apiarist, 2020; Buddha Bee Apiary, 2023).

In cold weather

 Bees form a cluster around the queen and brood, shivering their flight muscles to generate heat. The cluster core can be maintained at ~34 °C even when ambient temperatures drop to −40 °C (Ellis, 2016). Propolis is used to seal cracks, reducing drafts, while honey and pollen stores act as insulation.

In hot weather

Bees cool the hive through bearding, fanning, and evaporative cooling. Water carriers deposit droplets on brood combs and walls, and other bees fan air across these surfaces to lower temperatures (AskNature, 2020). Some workers engage in heat shielding by pressing their bodies against hot comb areas.

Consequences of Temperature Stress

Overheating

Sustained internal temperatures above ~36–37 °C can be fatal to brood, deform adults, and even soften wax, causing comb collapse (Derrick, 2021). In severe heat, colonies may halt brood rearing or abscond (The Apiarist, 2020).

Chilling

Prolonged temperatures below ~32 °C in brood areas can kill or weaken developing bees and increase disease susceptibility (Kaplan, 2019). Cold stress forces bees to consume more stores and, in small colonies, can lead to collapse.

Effects of Temperature on Bee Behavior

Research confirms that developmental temperature influences honey bee cognitive ability, division of labor, and longevity. Bees reared at 32 °C have poorer communication skills and altered brain structures compared to those reared at optimal temperatures (Wang et al., 2016; The Apiarist, 2022). Cooler-developed bees tend to specialize in heating tasks, while warmer-developed bees excel at foraging (Buddha Bee Apiary, 2023).

Monitoring and Managing Hive Temperature

Beekeepers can support thermoregulation by:

• Providing nearby water sources.
• Using shade or reflective covers in hot climates.
• Ensuring ventilation through screened bottom boards or upper entrances.
• Painting hives light colors in sunny environments.
• Adding insulation to buffer against temperature extremes.

Placing hives in locations that balance sunlight, airflow, and wind protection.

Cooling and Insulation Solutions for Tropical Beekeeping

In African and other tropical regions, beekeepers often use climate-appropriate hive designs and materials for heat management (Grossmann, 2014). These include:

• Thick-walled log or clay hives with small entrances for insulation.
• Thatched or double roofs to reduce solar heating.
• Elevating hives for airflow.
• Wrapping hives with natural insulating materials such as banana leaves or grass mats.
• Enlarging entrances during hot seasons for ventilation.

These methods, combined with attentive seasonal monitoring, can keep colonies productive despite high ambient temperatures.

 

 

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References

BeeMD. (2024). Cooling hive fact sheet. https://idtools.org/thebeemd/index.cfm?entityID=8513&packageID=1180

Buddha Bee Apiary. (2023). Honey bee temperature regulation. https://buddhabeeapiary.com

Derrick, S. (2021). Keeping hives cool in the heat. Blythewood Bee Company. https://blythewoodbeecompany.com

Ellis, J. (2016). Colony level thermoregulation. American Bee Journal. https://americanbeejournal.com

Grossmann, M. (2014). Mud and clay beehives. https://grossmannsbees.wordpress.com

Kaplan, K. (2019). Weak colonies may fail from cold. USDA ARS News.

Stabentheiner, A., Kovac, H., & Brodschneider, R. (2010). Honeybee colony thermoregulation—regulatory mechanisms and contribution of individuals in dependence on age, location and thermal stress. PLOS ONE, 5(1), e8967. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0008967

The Apiarist. (2020). Absconding. https://theapiarist.org/absconding

The Apiarist. (2022). Timing is everything. https://theapiarist.org/timing-is-everything

Wang, Y., Kaftanoglu, O., Fondrk, M. K., & Page, R. E. (2016). Nurse bee behaviour manipulates worker honeybee (Apis mellifera) reproductive development. PLOS ONE, 11(7), e0157546. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0157546

 

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