Skip to content

Best Practices

1. Do's and Don'ts for VitalSensor

  • Regularly check that the VitalSensor vents have not been sealed with wax by the bees — if so, clean them or replace the mesh with a new one.
  • Do not move the VitalSensor between frames after installation.
  • Try to keep the frame with the VitalSensor in the same position at the centre of the brood nest.
  • Do not move the frame with the VitalSensor and/or the VitalSensor itself between hives — this risks infecting other colonies with pathogens from the previous one.
  • Do not install more than one VitalSensor in a single hive.
  • Place the QR code label attached to the VitalSensor on the outer wall of the hive in which it is installed.
  • Do not submerge the entire VitalSensor in alcohol / caustic soda. You may use these substances to remove wax from the detached mesh insert only.
  • Do not place the frame with the VitalSensor in a honey extractor.
  • Do not expose the VitalSensor to open flame.
  • Before removing a frame for honey harvesting / storage / transport, remove the VitalSensor from the frame first.
  • Regularly check the battery level in the app for both VitalSensors and the Hub.
  • Report any damage immediately to Apisense support (bee@apisense.ai).
  • Do not wash the VitalSensor under running water.
  • Do not disinfect the VitalSensor by submerging it (do not soak in alcohol, disinfectants, water, etc.).
  • Do not open, disassemble, unscrew, or modify the VitalSensor in any way.

2. Do's and Don'ts for the Hub

  • The Hub charges from sunlight — if you plan to mount it in a shaded or low-sunlight location, pre-charge the Hub via USB-C (approx. 3 hours) before deploying it in the field.
  • The BLE and LTE antennas must point vertically upwards — never horizontally or downwards.
  • Before mounting, make sure both antennas are screwed in tight to the Hub sockets.
  • The Hub must be outdoors — not under a roof, not indoors (required for GPS and cellular coverage).
  • Position the solar panel facing the sun, tilted at least 20°, with no shading.
  • Keep the Hub away from metal objects and power lines — they degrade BLE range.
  • Regularly check the Hub battery level in the app.