Colony Strength Assessment Guide

The Colony Strength Estimator helps you objectively grade colony health and determine pollination readiness.

How to use it:

Enter the number of bee-covered frames (count frames 75%+ covered on both sides)

Rate brood pattern quality (excellent, good, spotty, or poor)

Enter queen age in months

Enter varroa mite count per 100 bees (from alcohol wash or sugar roll)

Rate honey stores and temperament

Understanding your score:

85-100: Excellent — premium pollination-ready colony

70-84: Good — meets standard pollination requirements

55-69: Moderate — needs improvement before placement

Below 55: Weak — requires immediate management action

Pollination standards: California almonds require 8+ frames of bees minimum. Premium colonies earn 15-20% higher pollination fees.