Russian scientists have developed a device to capture the sounds of swarming bees in apiaries
The Novosibirsk State Technical University (NSTU) has developed an online monitoring system for the apiary “PcheloBYTE”, the NSTU told Gazeta.Ru about this.
The system consists of a software and hardware complex — a device that is installed in the hive, and an application for the apiary owner’s smartphone. The device picks up and monitors the sounds of swarming, determining what is happening inside the hive. Under certain conditions, the owner is notified of what is happening to the bees.
So the beekeeper can even remotely monitor the start of swarming and the formation of new colonies and take the necessary actions.
In the future, young scientists plan to obtain a patent, and then launch a batch of devices into pilot production.
Previously, scientists have found that the lifespan of honey bees has decreased by 50% over the past 50 years. Now it is about 18 days against 34. Moreover, the reduction in life expectancy has affected beekeeping: loss rates among the colonies and a decrease in honey production were about 33%.
