In this article on Naijaknowhow, I’ll be writing about some of the best beekeeping apps for smartphones. Beekeeping is an age-old practice that has evolved greatly over the years and continues to improve. Today, beekeepers have the benefit of utilizing beekeeping applications to aid in the management and maintenance of their bee colonies and hives.
So, what exactly are beekeeping apps and what can they do for you? These applications have been specifically designed to provide beekeepers with all the resources and tools necessary for building and maintaining healthy bee colonies. Some of the features that these apps may offer include guides, tips, and tricks, as well as a tracking system to record your progress.
However, with so many options available, finding the best app for your needs can be a bit of a challenge. If you are looking for assistance in finding the perfect mobile app to support your beekeeping activities, you’ve come to the right place. In this article, I’ll be showcasing some of the best beekeeping apps for both Android and iOS devices.
List of the Best Beekeeping Apps for Android and iOS
The best beekeeping apps come equipped with features to help you monitor and record hive inspections. With these features, you can stay informed and know exactly what is happening with your hives and colonies. To help with the decision-making process, I’ve compiled a list of the best options available on the mobile market.
1. BeePlus Beekeeping Manager
BeePlus is an organized beekeeping management app. It helps keep track of your apiaries by collecting and storing comprehensive information. Features include tracking inspections, queen information, honey production, and equipment.
The app allows you to add photos, sync data, and view a timeline of your apiaries and hives. It also has a finance monitor for commercial use and the option to export records as txt or csv. BeePlus is beneficial for both new and experienced beekeepers, making beekeeping activities more organized. Download the app from the App Store and enjoy!
Pros:
- The app simplifies apiary management tasks.
- Efficient tracking of beekeeping activities.
- Convenient photo upload and seamless syncing.
- Provides a finance monitor for commercial users.
- Enables exporting records in txt or csv formats.
Cons:
- Might have a learning curve for beginners.
- Dependency on reliable digital infrastructure.
- Potential for bugs or glitches in app functionality.
- Limited customization for some beekeeping needs.
- Requires regular updates for optimal performance.
2. Bee Hive Monitoring
No more stress with hive inspections, thanks to Bee Hive Monitoring. This app offers a comprehensive set of features to monitor your hives and their surrounding environment. With the app, you can keep track of temperature, hive status, apiary, queen info, and more.
The app works for all types of hives. With it, you can record nectar flow, bee count, colony strength, productivity, and more with detailed infographics. Harvest time is made easier with the ability to record honey weight and amount harvested. Also, stay secure with theft and robbing alerts as provided in the app.
Designed for beekeepers of all levels, Bee Hive Monitoring’s user-friendly interface and ease of use make it a top choice in beekeeping apps. Even beginners can quickly learn how to use it. The app is free to download on App Store and Play Store.
Pros:
- Comprehensive monitoring features available.
- User-friendly interface for easy navigation.
- The app is compatible with all types of hives.
- Simplifies harvest management process.
- Provides timely security alerts for peace of mind.
Cons:
- Learning curve may be present initially.
- Reliance on technology could be a drawback.
- Potential glitches or technical issues may arise.
- Limited support resources available.
- Cost may be relatively high for some users.
3. Apiary Book
Take your beekeeping to the next level with Apiary Book, the ultimate app for recording and organizing colony information, treatments, health, and maintenance. With features tailored specifically for beekeepers, it makes your job easier and more efficient.
The app has a user-friendly interface, allowing you to define apiaries, create to-do lists, track harvests, monitor colony movements, and more. A timeline provides a comprehensive view of beehive reports and important beekeeping information. You can also review past activities and track your progress over time.
Apiary Book also provides added benefits, including social media sharing, apiary location mapping, weather and forecast updates, and detailed hive information. You can log queen information, and add notes and comments on apiaries and hives. Get organized and take your beekeeping to new heights with Apiary Book.
Pros:
- User-friendly interface simplifies colony management.
- Tailored features streamline tasks like hive tracking.
- Comprehensive timeline offers clear activity overview.
- To-do lists help prioritize and stay organized.
- Progress tracking enhances efficiency over time.
Cons:
- Technology dependency hinders remote beekeeping.
- The app’s initial setup might be challenging.
- Compatibility issues could arise with some devices.
- Data security concerns may arise with digital storage.
- Subscription fees could deter budget-conscious users.
4. Apiarist
Apiarist is a free, ad-free tool ideal for beginner beekeepers or hobbyists who need to manage their beekeeping activities. It supports an unlimited number of beehives, apiaries, inspections, and harvests, allowing you to ditch paper records for a more efficient solution. The data is stored on your device, making it easily accessible at all times.
The app offers features such as reminders, photo-adding, data export/import, and customizable settings. It also features a dashboard and charts to make your records more informative and user-friendly. For commercial beekeepers, it includes added accounting for expenses and revenues.
Pros:
- User-friendly interface for beginners.
- Offers unlimited beehives and apiaries.
- Convenient offline data storage for accessibility.
- Reminders and photo uploads available.
- Customizable settings for personalization.
Cons:
- Limited advanced features for experienced users.
- No cloud backup for data may pose a risk.
- Simplistic interface may lack depth for some users.
- Learning curve for new beekeepers might be steep.
- Basic accounting may not meet commercial needs.
5. Beecraft Magazine
Get everything you need to know about beekeeping with this must-have app. Beecraft Magazine delivers all the latest news and information, with a vast library of informative articles, guides, and tips. With the app, you can access all the information you need about honey bees, hives, and apiaries, anytime, anywhere.
Unlike other beekeeping apps, Beecraft Magazine does not have a record feature. It is designed to provide informative articles and news about beekeeping, rather than a tool for recording inspections or monitoring. Using this app, you can stay up-to-date with the latest developments. Beecraft Magazine is available for free on the App Store and Play Store.
Pros:
- Abundant beekeeping resources available.
- Timely updates on beekeeping news.
- The app offers convenient accessibility anytime.
- Free on App Store and Play Store platforms.
- Content-centric focus for informative articles.
Cons:
- No inspection or monitoring tools provided.
- Has limited interactive features for users.
- Too much dependency on internet connection.
- It is not universally suitable for all users.
- The app has potential for information overload.
6. BoxyBEE
BoxyBEE is an app that improves your beekeeping management. It uses innovative technology to make beekeeping easier and more enjoyable. The app operates at three levels: hive, hive body, and frame. It features graphics to represent your apiary and hives for easier decision-making.
With BoxyBEE, beekeepers can save time and money managing their apiary. The app also allows you to focus on bee health and maintenance, with features to record progress, including queen bee information, diseases, treatments, and feeding. BoxyBEE has a summary section to review previous records. BoxyBEE is one of the beekeeping apps helpful to a beekeeper.
Pros:
- Simplifies beekeeping tasks efficiently.
- Visualizes apiary and hive data effortlessly.
- Saves significant time and money.
- Tracks bee health and maintenance with ease.
- Provides quick and easy access to past records.
Cons:
- New users must master the app before using.
- Dependency on technology may pose risks.
- Requires basic smartphone proficiency.
- Needs regular updates for optimal performance.
- Potential privacy concerns related to data storage.
7. American Bee Journal
Whether you keep bees for hobby or commercial purposes, this app is useful. It features a vast library of articles, suitable for beekeepers of all levels to gain more knowledge about beekeeping. For those with questions about beekeeping, the Classroom section provides answers to queries.
American Bee Journal brings the print version of the magazine to your smartphone, allowing you to stay connected with the latest beekeeping information. With internet access, you can read the magazine and deepen your understanding of beekeeping. This app is valuable for beekeepers looking to stay informed about the latest beekeeping developments.
Pros:
- Extensive library of beekeeping articles.
- Classroom section for answering queries.
- Convenient smartphone accessibility.
- Stay updated on beekeeping developments.
- Access to the American Bee Journal magazine.
Cons:
- Requires internet connection for full functionality.
- Limited depth on more specialized niche topics.
- May be overwhelming for those new to beekeeping.
- Interactive features are somewhat limited.
- Potential for occasional technical glitches or bugs.
Conclusion
Beekeeping can be a challenging task, but with the help of apps, it can become easier to manage. Keeping track of the health and well-being of your hives and bee colonies is crucial in beekeeping. Whether you are starting out or have years of experience, these beekeeping apps can help you keep your apiary in top shape.
