A predictive algorithm for mitigate swarming bees through proactive monitoring via wireless sensor networks

Abstract

Swarming is the massive outflow of the bees in a hive, whose most common causes are high temperatures, lack of food, stress and humidity changes. Among the types of swarming, one in which the complete abandonment of the hive occurs, has created large losses to Brazilian beekeepers, especially the Northeast. In an attempt to mitigate this problem, we propose in this paper a system for monitoring hive, via a wireless sensors network capable of identifying the preswarming colony behavior. Through a pattern of collections obtained from the cyclical behavior daily temperatures, we developed a predictive algorithm based on pattern recognition techniques, able to detect the increase in temperature in the hive (microclimate) responsible for the typical stress of bees that culminates in swarming. This mechanism is also able to recognize and avoid sending redundant information over the network in order to reduce radio communication, thereby reducing costs of data transmission and energy.