Spring Inspection: Taking the First Look Inside the Hive

The spring inspection is the first thorough check after winter. It tells you how your colonies are doing and lays the foundation for a successful season.

When is the right time?

Only once temperatures are consistently above 12–14 °C and the bees are flying calmly. In Central Europe: March to early April, depending on the weather.

Never open the hive in cold, wind or rain – the brood cools down immediately.

What gets checked?

Colony strength

• How many comb spaces are covered with bees?
• At least 4–5 well-covered spaces for a colony capable of developing

Queen and brood

• Can you see eggs and young larvae? (Use a magnifying glass)
• Is the brood nest even and solid?
• Patchy, irregular brood is a sign of disease or a poor queen – if you suspect foulbrood, inform the veterinary office immediately; according to the Bavarian LWG, American foulbrood is a notifiable bee disease

Food stores

• Is there still at least 3–4 kg of food left?
• If food is short, top up right away with fondant (Apifonda)

Combs and hive

• Remove damaged or blackened old combs
• Clean the floor insert, check the mesh floor
• Read the varroa infestation level from the natural mite drop

Steps after the inspection

1. Unite weak colonies or build them up with fondant
2. Add the first extra space once all the combs are covered
3. Plan the varroa treatment (formic acid after the harvest)
4. Prepare for swarm control starting in May

Sources

• Bavarian State Institute for Viticulture and Horticulture (LWG): Amerikanische Faulbrut, accessed 5 Oct 2026

The sources support individual statements in this article. The organisations named have neither reviewed nor endorsed it.