We are investigating durable, cost effective and accurate sensors appropriate for placing within a beehive. Please document any pesticide and volatile organic compound sensor research below.
Sep 12, '14
Oct 21, '14
Does anyone know of any sensors that could be tried out now? In the last couple weeks, three hives in our San Francisco Bay Area neighborhood have died out overnight, with a pile of bees with tongues sticking out in front of the hives. My hive is still doing fine, but I would like to be able to monitor any pesticides in the hive.
USDA research project #413289 (Develop sensors taht rapidly and/or remotely detect pest presence and volatile organic compounds) developed an "e-nose" technology, but it is not yet robust enough for real-world applications. It might be worth keeping an eye on it, though. http://www.ars.usda.gov/research/projects/projects.htm?ACCN_NO=413289&fy=201326
Pollen traps4 allow you to harvest pollen from your bees.
The pollen collects in a container5 beneath the entrance of the hive. This will be a key place to detect for pesticide exposure. It should be designed so the trap can be added and removed, so the colony is able to gather enough pollen.
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