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Colony inspection

Guidelines for photographic documentation and observations to record during a colony inspection within the "Spring 2026" program.

Required photos

During the colony inspection, attach the following photos in the app:

  • Frame with the VitalSensor with bees on it — front and back of the comb
  • Outermost frame without bees — front and back of the comb
  • Any other photos relevant from the beekeeper's perspective

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Fig. 1: Example photo of a frame with the VitalSensor

Apisense holders make it easier

The Apisense holders included in the kit — yellow brackets that mount on the hive walls and hold the frame steady while you photograph it — make these shots much easier.

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Fig. 2: Apisense holders for easier frame photography

Observations to record in the app

During the inspection, watch for:

  • Prophylactic and medical treatments — including herbs, supplements, probiotics, etc., ideally with the dose (you can attach a photo of the package or leaflet)
  • Queenless period
  • Introduction of a new queen (mated or virgin)
  • Queen rejection
  • Quiet supersedure
  • Swarming mood and swarm season
  • Any other significant events in the colony
  • Other observations — e.g. risk of contact with pesticides, bees using contaminated water sources

These photos are encouraged (preferably without bees on the frame if possible):

  • Frames with queen cells
  • Frames with brood (open, capped, scattered, drone, etc.)
  • Frames with uncapped honey/nectar
  • Frames with bee bread (pollen)
  • Frames with workers and the queen
  • Frames with workers and drones
  • Eggs in cells
  • Frames with bees carrying pollen loads
  • Bees with visible Varroa mites
  • Bees with deformed wings
  • Frames with wax foundation — new, drawn, ready for melting, damaged, with wild comb

Atypical disease symptoms

For atypical disease symptoms, contact the coordinators or Dr Maciej Bryś directly.