What does a “strong” bee hive look like?
The definition of a strong bee hive can vary depending on the season of the year. In the early spring months, a bee hive being using for tree fruit pollination should minimally have adult bees on five of the colony’s ten frames. There should be developing bees (brood) on two or more frames of the five frames that are covered by adult bees (estimated population of 15,000 – 20,000 adult bees). A colony having adult bees on eight of the colony’s ten frames and having five frames of brood is a stronger colony (20,000 – 32,000 adult bees) and would be a more efficient pollinating unit. Evaluating entrance activity without knowing internal colony conditions is not an accurate way to assess colony strength.
