This diagnostic tool listens to the frequencies and volume of bee buzzing to assess colony health without opening the hive. Beekeepers use it to detect signs of impending swarming, queenlessness, or general stress, as the acoustic signature of the colony shifts predictably under these conditions. Digital versions perform continuous acoustic analysis and send alerts directly to a phone.
Heard on the job
I ran the Apidictor over the outyard and caught two hives that were gearing up to swarm.
Insider tip
Checking hives acoustically saves time and reduces stress on the bees, especially during cold or wet weather when cracking the lid would chill the brood.