Bluetooth temperature sensors for beehives

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Why Measure Temperature Inside the Hive?

The temperature in the brood nest is one of the most reliable live indicators of a colony’s condition. Bees regulate it very precisely, and the typical temperature patterns directly reflect events happening inside the hive. Thanks to affordable sensors, you can equip all colonies at an apiary and keep the entire site under control.

Early Detection of Brood Onset

When the queen begins laying eggs in spring, the temperature stabilizes at around 34–35 °C. This allows you to detect brood onset early and plan expansions and inspections accordingly.

Early Recognition of Queen Problems

If the temperature drops significantly after a stable period or becomes irregular, this may indicate queenlessness or a failing queen. You can intervene before the colony weakens severely.

Monitoring Swarming Behavior

Before swarming, many colonies show a characteristic temperature pattern: a slight increase and additional fluctuations. The sensor helps you identify swarming mood early—before the swarm leaves.

Check Wintering Without Opening the Hive

In winter, you can see from the temperature whether the cluster is active, weakening, or has collapsed—without opening the hive and without disturbing the bees.

Fewer Inspections, Less Stress

Every hive inspection cools the brood nest and costs the colony energy. With temperature data, you can plan inspections more efficiently and reduce unnecessary openings—benefiting both the bees and your honey yield.

Full Overview of All Colonies

The sensors are priced so that you can equip all colonies in an apiary. You immediately see which colonies are strong, which show unusual patterns, and where attention is truly needed.

Android App for Reading & Uploading Data

The measurements are read via a mobile Android app. The app displays all temperature curves from the sensors at the apiary clearly side by side. With one click, you can upload the data to the server, where it is available for long-term comparisons and further analysis.

Gateway with SIM Card (from Spring 2026)

From spring 2026, a gateway with an integrated SIM card will be available. It automatically reads temperature data from all sensors at the apiary and sends them to the server—ideal for remote apiaries where you are not present regularly or do not want to use your smartphone every time.

BeeScales.io Diagnostics – Bluetooth App for Hive Monitoring

BeeScales.io Diagnostics is a mobile app that connects to your BeeScales hive scales and Bluetooth temperature sensors at the apiary. It is designed for quick on-site checks and for sending measurement data to your BeeScales account.

What the App Can Do

All Nearby Sensors at a Glance
The app scans all compatible Bluetooth temperature sensors within range and displays them in a list. This allows you to see the current temperature of every colony at the location instantly.
Instant Identification via Sensor Button
Each sensor has a button. When you press it, the corresponding sensor entry in the app is highlighted immediately. This makes it easy to match each sensor to its colony.
Custom Names for Each Colony
Assign a unique name to each sensor (e.g. Colony 1 – Queen 2024, Nucleus 3). This ensures you always know which measurement belongs to which hive.
Monitoring Colony Health in Winter & Spring
The sensors are placed in or above the winter cluster. Stable and appropriate temperatures help you assess colony strength, brood activity, and wintering progress—without opening the hive.
Store Measurements in Your Account
With a single tap, you can upload all measured data to your BeeScales account, where it is available for later review.
You can choose to save:
- With device location – measurements + current GPS position of the smartphone
- Without location – sensor data only
Supports Bluetooth BeeScales
The same app connects to BeeScales Bluetooth hive scales (e.g. the Compact scale with E-Paper display) and can upload weight data together with temperature readings.
Easy Operation in the Field
Large buttons, clear text, and color highlights make the app easy to use—even with gloves or in bright sunlight.

BeeScales Diagnostics – temperature sensor list

BeeScales Diagnostics – save measurements dialog

Typical Temperature Patterns – What Do the Curves Show?

The following examples show typical patterns commonly observed in practice. The diagrams are language-neutral and can be explained in any language.

Example 1: Brood Onset in Spring

The temperature rises from the winter/transition range and stabilizes in the brood area (approx. 34–35 °C). The colony is developing and the queen is actively laying.

Example 2: Queen Problems / Queenlessness

After a phase of stable brood temperature, the curve drops significantly and becomes irregular. Possible cause: loss of the queen or interruption of brood. A hive inspection is strongly recommended.

Example 3: Swarming Behavior

Slight temperature rise and characteristic wave patterns over 1–3 days. The colony is very active, and swarming mood may be present. Inspect for queen cells and take appropriate measures.

Example 4: Winter Weakening

Slow, continuous decline and loss of stable cluster temperature. The colony is weakening or may have already collapsed. Inspect the hive at the next opportunity.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How do I read the sensor data?

The sensor data is read using an Android app. When visiting the apiary, the app connects to the sensors via Bluetooth and displays the temperature patterns of all colonies at that site.

Can I save the data for later analysis?

Yes. From the Android app, you can upload the data to the server with one click. There it is available for long-term comparisons, trend analysis, and documentation.

Do I need a smartphone?

For the first generation of the system, data is read via an Android smartphone. From spring 2026, you can additionally use a gateway with a SIM card that automatically reads and uploads data—without needing to visit the apiary.

Do I need an internet connection at the apiary?

No internet connection is needed for reading data with the Android app—Bluetooth is used. Internet is only required when uploading data to the server. The gateway with SIM card (from 2026) handles this automatically.

What temperatures are normal in the brood nest?

During active brood periods, the temperature is typically between 33 and 35.5 °C. In winter or broodless phases, lower and more variable temperatures are normal.

How does the sensor help with wintering?

You can see whether the cluster is active, whether the colony is weakening, or whether sudden drops occur. This allows timely action—such as checking food stores or combining weak colonies.

Can I monitor multiple colonies at once?

Yes. Each sensor belongs to a specific colony. In the app, you can manage multiple sensors and compare temperature curves of all colonies on the apiary. Thanks to the low cost of the sensors, you can equip all colonies and maintain full oversight.