Application of wireless sensor networks for beehive monitoring and in-hive thermal patterns detection

As cold-blooded animals, bees seek to control the environment thermal variation to live and work in their hives. In semi-arid regions, such as in Northeast Brazil, bees lead a natural thermoregulation mechanism inside their hives so that they can deal with high temperatures. However, when thermoregulation is not fully accomplished, all bees can leave the nest in a process known as colony absconding. In such a process, absconding is due to a thermal stress stimulus. In this context, here we propose a proactive monitoring of hives using a wireless sensor network which detects atypical heating. Through thermal patterns obtained on a daily basis, we developed a mechanism for detecting the temperature rise inside the hive (microclimate). Our results show various thermal patterns related to hive conditions, and highlight the temperature as a key factor to detect potential absconding conditions.