Normal values inside the hive

What is normal in a beehive can of course be discussed, but it turns out that the facts are broadly in the following areas.

Temperature in the hive

Temperature (C):

• 34-36 degrees: bees in the brood stage are normally at 35 degrees, an important parameter to monitor
• 5 degrees: should not be below this in winter, preferably above. The temperature in the brood cluster is of course higher.

Humidity in the hive

Humidity (%):

• 65 -85%: Winter
• 40-65 % summer

Sound level in the hive

Sound level:

Frequency (Hz):

• 100-200 Hz: Normal
• Above 200 Hz: stress situation / swarming

Intensity ( A(dB) sound pressure / volume):

• < 5 dB: Normal
• > 5 dB Stress situation / swarming

The curves below show indications for swarming how relative strength/intensity A(dB) versus frequency (Hz) increases over time for respectively 3 weeks, 5 days, and one day before swarming.

The development of the frequency intervals and the slope of the curve. The frequency analysis should normally have a descending slope from the lower frequency bands to the higher frequencies.

If the frequency band does not have a normal downward slope after a period of time, then there is a reason to check the beehive.