Monitoring Acoustic Changes of Honey Bees (Apis mellifera L.) and their Effect on the Hive Environment during Venom Collection using IoT Technology

Abstract

The operation of a bee venom collector device (BVCD) introduces significant behavioral and environmental disturbances to a honey bee (Apis mellifera) colony. By keeping an eye on things and gathering data, beekeepers can make well-informed decisions to safeguard bee colonies. This study investigated the relationship between sound levels on (SOD) and under (SUD) the BVCD and environmental factors within a beehive, focusing on internal temperature (InT), internal relative humidity (InRH), and internal atmospheric pressure (InAP). A multi-sensor platform combined with an IoT unit was employed for real-time monitoring, enabling the collection of comprehensive data. The analysis revealed a strong positive correlation between sound levels and InT, means a higher InT was associated with increased sound levels. Conversely, a weak correlation was found between sound levels and InRH, indicating that changes of acoustic patterns do not significantly change the humidity. Similarly, the InAP relationship changed between positive to negative depending on the operation states, suggesting that other factors influence it. The study identified three distinct phases of beehive activity towards BVCD: pre-operation, operation and post-operation. Each phase exhibited unique sound patterns and environmental conditions. During pre-operation, sound levels increased as bees began to interact with the device. In the operation, sound levels peaked due to intense bee activity and aggression towards the device. Finally, during post-operation, sound levels decreased as bees returned to normal behavior. By understanding the intricate relationship between sound levels and environmental factors, it can gain valuable insights into beehive health, behavior, and potential threats. This knowledge can inform strategies for bee conservation and sustainable smart beekeeping practices.