Newcastle and District Beekeepers' Association

Check frames. Honey bees in full size hives should cover more than five frames, if less then dwindling is indicated. Nosema is a dwindling disease which shortens the life span of adult bees, so
overwintering bees start dying before they are replaced in the spring. A simple microscopy
check can confirm this. Check the hive entrance where you will see dead bees on the
ground - if it is more than about 100 investigate. If the bees are flying then look to see if
returning workers are carrying pollen, indicating that all is well.