What should be checked for on a frame before setting it aside during inspection?

When inspecting a frame in a beehive, checking for the presence of the queen is crucial. The queen bee is essential for the colony's health and growth as she is responsible for laying eggs and maintaining the hive's population. Noticing her on the frame indicates that the colony is functioning normally, and the queen is actively contributing to the hive's reproduction. If the queen is not found or is missing when inspecting frames, it signifies potential issues, such as the risk of colony decline or swarming. This emphasizes the queen's significant role in the overall well-being of the colony, making it a priority during inspection.

While brood, pollen, and nectar are all important elements to assess during a hive inspection, they serve different purposes. Brood indicates the health and population of the hive, pollen shows food stores and protein availability, and nectar signifies food supply. However, without the queen, a colony may struggle to sustain itself, making her presence the primary focus during a frame check.