How to record a hive inspection in ApiNote

Start by opening the right hive

Choose the apiary and hive before entering an inspection. Check the identifier against the physical box. If you use Pro QR tools, scanning the hive label is another way to reach the relevant record.

Look at the previous inspection and outstanding work first. This gives the visit a purpose: checking queen acceptance, reviewing stores or following up an observation.

Record observations, not conclusions you cannot verify

Add an inspection from the hive’s activities. Use the available fields for what you checked and add notes where the situation needs context. Distinguish “queen seen” from evidence such as eggs: those are different observations.

A short note can still be precise. For example: “Fresh eggs seen; food stores need another check after the forecast rain.” This is a fictional example of wording, not a diagnosis or a feeding recommendation.

• Date and the correct hive.
• Brood and queen observations.
• Stores, strength and anything unusual.
• Work performed and what should be checked next.

Use voice when it suits the visit

Voice inspection lets you speak observations and review a proposed record. Check hive selection, dates, quantities and wording before saving. Background noise and ambiguous speech can produce mistakes.

Voice and AI tools share five free credits every seven days; Pro includes unlimited use under the current in-app offering. An internet connection and microphone access are needed for cloud AI processing. Manual entry remains available.

Attach evidence, then plan the follow-up

Add a useful photo if it helps you compare an observation later. Current inspection attachments are stored locally on the device. A photo selected for the AI advisor is different: it is sent for that requested analysis.

Record treatment, feeding or harvest in the matching activity rather than hiding everything inside free text. Add a task when a check needs to happen later, then confirm the saved inspection appears in the hive’s history.