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.

    Related Articles

    Still need help? Ask PollenOps AI — click the chat bubble or press Cmd+J