Free Hive Inspection Sheet

How it works

Fill in the Log Inspection form for each hive visit — choose your hive ID (or type a new one), enter the date, and record queen status, brood frames, varroa count, pest observations and notes. Hit Save Inspection and the record is stored in your browser's localStorage.

The varroa infestation rate is calculated automatically: rate (%) = mites ÷ bees in sample × 100. A standard alcohol-wash or sugar-roll uses ~300 bees. Colour coding: green < 2 %, amber 2–4 %, red > 4 % (treatment threshold per most extension guidelines).

Switch to History to browse past inspections and delete individual records. Use Download PDF Sheet to export a formatted hive inspection sheet — laid out to print on A4/letter paper — labelled "Hive Inspection Sheet" for easy filing.

The Trends tab shows Chart.js line graphs for bee population (frames), varroa rate and honey stores across time — useful for spotting colony decline or successful treatment cycles.

Frequently asked questions

What should I record on a hive inspection sheet?

A thorough hive inspection record covers: date and hive ID, whether the queen was seen, egg and brood presence (and pattern quality), frames of bees, frames of brood, frames of honey/nectar, varroa mite count with method (alcohol wash is most accurate), any signs of disease (AFB, EFB, sacbrood, chalkbrood), pest sightings (small hive beetle, wax moth), swarm cells or queen cells, and any actions taken such as treatments, supering, or re-queening. Consistent records over time reveal trends that are impossible to see from memory alone.

How do I calculate a varroa mite infestation rate?

Collect approximately 300 adult bees from the brood nest area into a jar, then apply isopropyl alcohol (alcohol wash) or powdered sugar (sugar roll) and shake for 60 seconds. Count the mites that fall out and divide by the number of bees: infestation rate (%) = mites ÷ bees × 100. For example, 6 mites from 300 bees = 2 % — right at the treatment threshold. This tool calculates the percentage automatically as you type. Most beekeeping extension services recommend treating when the rate exceeds 2–3 % during the brood season.

How often should I inspect my hives?

During the active season (spring through early autumn) a thorough inspection every 7–10 days is standard, especially if you suspect swarm preparations or disease. During winter in temperate climates, inspecting the outside of the hive (entrance activity, weight) without opening is usually preferable to avoid breaking the cluster. A minimum of one full inspection per month during the brood season, with mite counts at least every 4–6 weeks, is the generally accepted practice.

What does a spotty brood pattern indicate?

A spotty or "pepper pot" brood pattern — with many empty cells scattered through capped brood — can indicate several problems: a failing or poorly-mated queen, a high varroa load (mites in cells cause larvae to die), European or American foulbrood, sacbrood, or the colony is shutting down brood rearing in response to stress. A solid, compact pattern with cells capped in an even dome shape is the sign of a healthy, well-mated queen. Always check eggs alongside brood pattern — eggs present means the queen was laying within the last 3 days.

Is my hive inspection data private?

Yes — completely. This tool is fully client-side. Your inspection records are stored only in your browser's localStorage on your own device and are never transmitted to any server. If you clear your browser data or switch devices you will lose the records, so export a PDF periodically as a backup. No account, email, or login is required.