A Simple Way to Evaluate Hive Strength for Pollination Growers can easily check hives to see if they are adequate for their pollination needs. It will require the cooperation or assistance of the beekeeper. An inexperienced person can damage bees, and could also get into some serious stinging, so growers should not attempt to open hives alone. However, beekeepers who are not willing to let growers see what is in the hives should be avoided. There are occasional cases of fraud perpetrated by dishonest beekeepers, who may avoid detection because so many people fear bees, and keep away.
Most professional beekeepers carry an extra veil.
If a person is still afraid, wearing a veil, he can remain in a closed vehicle with the windows up, while the beekeeper opens hives. The quick and simple check requires that the cover be removed, with just a little smoke, then bees be watched to see how many frames they cover, as they run back to the tops of the frames. Ideally the bees should cover seven to eight frames. This represents about five to six frames of brood. In our business we guarantee five frames, and try to average six frames of brood.