Analysis shows that the number of inspections performed by beekeepers is a relevant factor in predicting over-winter hive mortality

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 Honey bee colonies frequently suffer from high over-winter losses attributed to various factors, including management, poor nutrition, pests, pathogens, and parasites. Most beekeepers have only limited control over these factors. This study looks at the role of the number and timing of hive inspections in relation to over-winter losses, which beekeepers can largely control. 

Results suggest that more frequent hive inspections are associated with higher over-winter survival rates across most U.S. regions. Unexpectedly, this also includes having relatively more inspections during the winter months in every region. Also, surprisingly only one of the nine climatic regions had significantly different average over-winter survival rates despite the significant geographic and climate difference across the continental U.S. This finding suggests that other factors like management actions may be more important to over-winter survival rates than climate. Finally, this inspection analysis shows that the number of inspections performed by beekeepers is a relevant factor in predicting over-winter hive mortality.

Link to paper

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