Practical Guide: 4.7.3 Recognising healthy colonies

Recognizing healthy colonies is essential for effective beekeeping and for early detection of potential problems. The official checklist 4.7.3 from the Swiss Bee Health Service describes the typical characteristics of healthy colonies and provides reliable observation guidelines.

Official factsheet – Summary

Factsheet: 4.7.3 Recognizing healthy colonies

• Objective: Assist in assessing the health status of bee colonies based on clear observational criteria.
• Characteristics of healthy colonies:
  • Calm behavior and regular activity at the hive entrance.
  • Homogeneous and well-structured brood pattern.
  • Sufficient colony strength and continuous development.
• Points of observation:
  • Observation of flight activity and general behavior.
  • Condition of brood, food reserves, and frame hygiene.
  • Absence of clinical signs or abnormal odors.
• Relevance:
  • Early detection of health disturbances.
  • Support for beekeeping decision-making.
• Important point:
  • Assessment must always take into account the season and local conditions.

► Open the official factsheet PDF (FR)

► To the official factsheet page (abeilles.ch)
Note: Section Operation management → 4.7.3 “Recognizing healthy colonies”.

Summary established on the basis of factsheet 4.7.3. Last verification: 01/2026.

See also:

• Best practices for inspecting a colony
• Observations at the hive entrance
• Factsheet: 4.1 Hygiene
• Factsheet: 4.7 Evaluation and selection of colonies