Abstract

Experience and regular inspections remain the foundation of good apiary management. But they have their limits. An inspection shows a single moment, while many processes inside the hive begin much earlier, before their effects become visible to us.

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1. A hive is never silent

This is the challenge Apisense takes on: technology that helps you understand what happens in a colony between inspections. Bees communicate constantly through chemical, bioacoustic and behavioural signals. Their activity changes, and so do the way they communicate and how they respond to conditions in and around the hive. Apisense records these signals and turns them into practical information for a beekeeper’s daily work.

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2. Pheromones: the language that changes first

Pheromones are among the most important means of communication in a colony. Through them, bees pass on information about the presence and condition of the queen, the state of the colony, threats and the colony’s needs. Changes in this biological language often appear before any visible signs on the frames. By analysing the signals coming from the hive, Apisense helps catch such changes before they show up during an inspection.

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3. VitalSensor: the heart of the system

VitalSensor is a device placed inside the hive. Around the clock and all year round, it collects biological and environmental signals from the colony and its surroundings. Apisense AI algorithms then analyse the data to help assess the colony’s condition and flag worrying changes before they become visible during an inspection.

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4. What the algorithms recognise

Apisense AI algorithms recognise characteristic patterns linked to colony health. By analysing the biological signals from the hive, they identify patterns that may point to varroa, nosema, chalkbrood, European foulbrood or American foulbrood, among others.

When the risk rises, the beekeeper receives a notification with practical guidance on what to check at the next inspection and which actions to consider.

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5. FrameSense: support during inspections

During inspections, FrameSense lends a hand. It analyses photos of frames and helps assess the amount of brood, food stores, queen cells, pests and visible signs of disease.

It makes inspections easier to document, helps track how colonies develop over time and catches details that are easy to miss during a routine hive check.

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6. Meli: a virtual assistant

Meli, a virtual assistant for beekeepers, helps you understand what the bees in your apiary are communicating. Meli combines VitalSensor data, colony history, the beekeeper’s notes and beekeeping knowledge, so you can assess the situation faster and make better decisions.

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7. Honey Intelligence: from hive to jar

Honey Intelligence helps you understand the results of your colonies’ work. It supports harvest analysis, yield estimates, identification of the main nectar sources and comparisons between colonies and apiaries. It also makes it easier to document where the honey comes from and to build its story from hive to jar.

VitalSensor monitors what you cannot see during daily work in the apiary. FrameSense helps analyse what the beekeeper sees on the frames during an inspection. Meli helps make sense of the collected data and supports decisions. Honey Intelligence shows the results of the colonies’ work and helps manage harvests. Together they form one system that supports modern beekeeping.

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8. Apisense does not replace the beekeeper

It never will replace a beekeeper’s experience. What it can do is provide additional information that no one can observe around the clock. By continuously analysing biological signals and documenting inspections, it helps you understand your colonies’ needs and respond faster to emerging challenges.

Today, more than 400 apiaries use Apisense technology, monitoring nearly 3,000 hives in over 40 countries on 6 continents.

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Hear what your bees are saying before you see the symptoms

Try the free demo: apisense.ai · app on the App Store and Google Play.

Demo login: demo · password: Apisense2025!