A container for housing eusocial insects

Abstract

An opening 8 for a housing container for eusocial insects. The opening designed to facilitate the use of an optical instrument such as an endoscope 7 or borescope for inspection purposes and comprisin

Description

The present invention relates to a container for housing eusocial insects, such as Apis Mellifera (honeybees), which has a novel opening that facilitates the use of an optical instrument (for example, an endoscope or other camera equipment) for making a visual inspection of the interior of the container. Background of the invention Reverend Langstroth developed the basis for modern beehive design (1) by recognising that wild colonies use a consistent, set spacing between the centre of each honeycomb. This allowed us to guide their building and create a hive with removable frames containingthe comb. Usingthis, beekeepers could easily observe the internal surfaces of the hive whilst knowingthe brood chamber, where the queen resides and lays her eggs, would be left intact at the end of the process. This was a major step away from the antiquated method of destroying large parts of the hive’s structure to obtain a honey crop. Modern beekeeping methods centre around repeated inspections to monitor a hive. With each inspection, the aim is to benefit an insect colony (e.g. Apis Mellifera) and further the beekeeper’s goals such as improving colony health or increasing the honey crop. During an inspection, a beehive is opened and deconstructed by removing frames of comb, exposing these internal structures to permit the visualisation of internal hive surfaces. This is predominantly an information gathering exercise, to guide the beekeeper’s subsequent decision making. To encourage quiescence of the colony during inspection, a smoker tool is frequently used to mimic a fire and stimulate behaviour in the bees that distracts from the beekeeper’s actions. In the 21st century, it is recognised that frequent conventional inspections may create significant colony stress. A 2022 study into motivations underpinning honeybee management found “minimising stress and suffering is important, resulting in a desire to carry out inspections as carefully as possible” (2). For some beekeepers there is an increasing preference for ‘natural’ or less invasive beekeeping. Organisations such as the Natural BeekeepingTrust (3) encourage the use of simplistic hive boxes that do not utilise a Langstroth based frame system, preventing inspection using existing techniques. Inventions such as the Flow Hive [US Patent Application No. 2014 / 0370781 ] allow the beekeeper to harvest the honey crop without exposing any of the internal hive surfaces, removing comb or administering smoke. Efforts to minimise disruption and stress to honeybees are warranted but come at a significant cost. Currently there is no effective alternative to the inspection process described that allows the beekeeper to obtain the same visual information about the health of a colony, it’s queen and importantly whether diseases are present. The potential for uninspected colonies to act as vectors promoting local spread of disease is a major issue, with the possibility of notifiable pests and diseases being missed (4). Developments in the field of endoscopy and industrial borescopes mean that affordable equipment exists for beekeepers to utilise endoscopy as a method of hive inspection and essential information gathering. An endoscopic inspection could be performed with minimal colony stress and no requirement for smoking, whilst also allowing the beekeeper to obtain the vital information required to manage their colonies and identify disease effectively. Current hive designs permit an endoscope to be passed through existing openings, such as the hive entrance, or a temporary opening created by separating existing hive components. Bees are simultaneously able to exit via these during an endoscopic inspection, creating a challenging environment for the beekeeper and prompting defensive behaviour in the colony. An opening of a smaller size that would restrict the passage to an endoscope or honeybee, but not both, would limit utilisation of the fulcrum effect during endoscopy and hamper its application for inspection purposes. The aim of the present invention is to provide a solution to the challenge of having a minimally invasive endoscopic inspection technique without bees exiting, whilst maximising information gathering to check for disease and colony health. Acknowledged prior art The inventor believes the closest prior art to be two YouTube videos: (https: / / www.youtube.com / watch?v=oCCK5wM JTE&t=269s and https: / / www.youtube.co m / watch?v=Y45GPcrNk2O) demonstrating the use of a flexible endoscope through the existing entrance or separated parts of a beehive. However, the approach shown in these videos lacks the ability to perform this procedure without the exit of a substantial number of bees, orto safely place the endoscope tip in a position between frames without damaging local structures. Statement of invention According to the present invention there is provided a container for housing eusocial insects, the container having an openingthrough which an optical instrument can be inserted for the purpose of making a visual inspection of the interior of the container, wherein the opening is partially or fully occluded by a brush composed of bristles. In a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, the container is a beehive and the eusocial insects are typically Apis Mellifera. The present invention can also be used for other eusocial insect species, such as but not limited to those of the Bombus genus. Typically, the opening is on a wall of the container. However, the opening could be in the roof or the floor of the container. Preferably, and in order to minimise disturbance to the eusocial insects flying in and out, and also to reduce defensive behaviours from the insects against the user, the opening is located on a different or opposing wall to the wall that includes an entrance / exit through which the insects enter and leave the container. Typically, the container includes a plurality of vertically hung frames. There may also be castellated frame rests, or other supporting means, which ensure that the plurality of vertically hungframes are held in predetermined horizontally spaced positions. According to one embodiment, the container has a double-walled structure such that there is an inner wall enclosing a plurality of vertically hung frames, and an outer wall surroundingthe said inner wall. In this case, the opening is located either on the inner wall or on the outer wall, or on both of those walls. Preferably, the outer wall has a removable piece or segment that permits access to the opening. Typically, the optical instrument is a borescope or an endoscope. Advantageously, it could have two cameras at different angles. Other types of optical instruments could be used. The openingthat characterises the container of the present invention is partially or fully occluded by a brush composed of bristles. Typically, the brush is formed of two opposing layers of bristles. The bristles may be detachable. In a preferred embodiment, the bristles are made of nylon. In one embodiment, at least one of the edges of the opening is bevelled. Optionally, the edges of the opening have a cut-out or set-in profile. The opening may have a removable cover. If so, the cover may include a ventilation hole. According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the interior of the container has one or more markings to act as a reference point to assist in the visual inspection. Preferably, the exterior of the container has one of more markings to indicate the position of vertically hung frames, spaces or other objects or structures within the container and so act as a reference point to assist in the visual inspection. The present invention also provides a method of making a visual inspection of a container housing eusocial insects, which comprises insertingan optical instrument through the openingin a container accordingto the present invention. The optical instrument is typically a borescope or an endoscope; and the container is preferably a beehive and the eusocial insects are Apis Mellifera. Brief description of the invention According to the present invention, there is provided an opening connecting the internal and external surfaces of a container or hive designed for the housing of eusocial insect colonies, including but not limited to Apis Mellifera (Honeybees) and species within the Bombus genus, wherein this opening with dimensions of width, height and depth, defines a space at least large enough to permit the passage of camera or endoscopic equipment and wherein the opening is either partially or fully occluded by a brush, and wherein this brush has bristles of a given length and diameter, and wherein these bristles are spaced in relation to each other at a given density to form the brush. The wall containingthe opening can be constructed from any material, including but not limited to wood, polystyrene (including high density polystyrene), any polymeric organic compound or plastic and any type of metal. Typically, the opening will be 16-20mm in height, the full width of the side or surface of the container that is perpendiculartothe comb’s orientation and with a depth of 10-25mm. The brush will preferably have bristles 10mm in height that are spaced ata sufficient density to keep the air flow across the brush, and internal temperature change secondary to this, at a negligible level. The brush will preferably have a 10mm depth, and a width that matches the described opening. The bristles will preferably be of appropriate thickness, resilience and elasticity to permit an endoscope to pass through with minimal applied pressure, return to their original position on withdrawal of the endoscope and withstand repeated inspections without significant wear or damage. Typically, there will be two opposing layers of bristles attached to the superior and inferior walls of the opening, with an overlap of 2-3 mm where they interlock and provide superior protection and maintenance of the hive’s internal environment. The brush will preferably adhere to the internal surfaces of the opening using a strong weatherproof adhesive that can withstand repeated shearing forces, as equipment insertion applies horizontal drag to the bristles. The bristles will typically be made of nylon. The bristles could be made of other materials, such as animal hair, Taklon or polyester, or mixtures of materials. Brief description of the drawings The following drawings are designed to illustrate features and variations of the invention. These drawings are not to scale. They have been created to facilitate greater understanding of the invention on the reader’s part. The drawings and the brief and detailed descriptions are not intended to limit the scope of the preceding summary of invention in anyway. Figure 1 shows evenly spaced frames within a hive that permit easy removal for the beekeeper to inspect the internal hive surfaces. Figure 2 shows a modular hive design commonly used in hives. Figure 3 shows a detailed view of a superior and inferior brush layer moulding around an endoscope. Figure 4 shows an opening within the wall of a hive containing and occluded by a brush that permits entry of an endoscope. Figure 5 shows the passage of an endoscope through the brush and between comb surfaces. Figure 6 shows an endoscope tip with dual cameras. It has a front-facing camera and a side-facing camera. Figure 7 shows comb architecture with each hexagonal cell containing an egg or larvae of varying age. Superimposed is an endoscope tip with arrows demonstrating the views obtained in reference to the honeycomb. Figure 8 shows a cross-section through a hive demonstratingthe connection of internal and external hive surfaces by the opening. Figure 9 shows a chamfered superior and inferior edge of the opening on the exterior surface. Figure 10 shows a superior and inferior edge of the opening with reduced depth. Figure 11 demonstrates how a chamfered edge to the opening permits greater utilisation of the fulcrum effect and increases the range of angle achieved with the endoscope. Figure 12 shows a calibration line on the opposing surface to the endoscopic hole. This allows the endoscope user to maintain a horizontal level on insertion and withdrawal. Figure 13 shows a covering panel to protect the opening and brushes. It contains a small gap covered by fine mesh to allow ventilation of the internal space. Figure 14 shows adaptation of the invention to a curved surface. Figure 15 shows an external box surrounding an internal box. The internal box contains a plurality of frames. The external box has a removable segment. Figure 16 shows an external box with a segment removed for the purpose of enabling the entry of an endoscope or camera equipment to gain access to the opening in the internal box. Figure 17 shows a cross-section through a hive facilitating the present invention with the additional feature of brush borders attached to a detachable strip. Figure 18 shows detachable strips secured in their operational placement. Figure 19 depicts external markings to indicate the location of internal spaces or frames. Figure 20 shows castellated rests for the frames. Detailed description of the invention There are numerous existing beehive designs, the most common including William Boughton Carr(WBC), National and Langstroth. The majority employ a modular system of boxes containing wooden frames supporting honeycomb, as demonstrated in Figures 1 and 2. Irrespective of a beekeeper’s chosen design, the present invention could be applied universally to all of these and has a high utility in respect to permitting beekeepers to keep their current hives and introduce a modified box or module matchingtheir hive dimensions. The WBC hive employs a double wall construction, with an external set of boxes housing an internal set, that contain a plurality of frames, with a small insulating air gap between as demonstrated in Figure 15. A second opening would need to be created in the external housing box, to permit entry of the endoscope through the outer wall as demonstrated in Figure 16. Hive design is constantly evolving and there exist a multitude of less common or newer designs, that could all utilise the stated invention. Figure 14 is a demonstration of its application to a curved surface, such as those found on the ‘Log hive’ (5). The present invention requires the use of novel materials in hive design and although it will facilitate both flexible and rigid endoscopy along with other camera equipment, it is tailored towards permitting rigid endoscopy as a tool for detailed comb and hive inspection. The advantage of rigid endoscopy is that when navigating narrow straight spaces between honeycomb surfaces of typically 6-9mm, it provides much improved control of the endoscope tip and minimises the risk of damage to fragile comb surfaces, whilst allowing the user to view much of the comb surface in detail beyond what’s possible with conventional inspection. This is demonstrated in Figures 5, 6 and 7. This is not something that has been seen in the prior art and the present invention would allow greater utilisation of rigid endoscopy as a hive inspection tool. Maximisingthe surface area of comb that can be inspected is important for information gathering. Greater depth in the opening reduces the range of angle that can be achieved with an endoscope. In comparison, a standard opening demonstrated in Figure 8, by chamfering the opening edge, as demonstrated in Figure 9, or by reducing the depth of the opening, as demonstrated in Figure 10, the range of angles achieved by a rigid endoscope can be increased, as demonstrated in Figure 11. Assessing changes over time within the comb requires the ability to reliably access and visualise the same part. To facilitate the user reproducing a horizontal angle, a calibration line is placed across the internal face opposingthe opening and at the same height, as demonstrated in Figure 12. This allows the user to visualise the line after endoscope insertion, then maintain the angle at visualisation to view the same comb surface each time on endoscope withdrawal. Reducing the impact of weather, external temperature and pests is essential in hive design. A cover placed over the opening, as seen in Figure 13, minimises water ingress and pest entry. A gap in the cover, typically overlain with mesh, allows ventilation of the space created between cover and opening, minimising the effects of damp. In a hive utilising external boxes surrounding internal boxes containingframes, such as the WBC hive, a segment of the external box can be made removable, as demonstrated in Figures 15 and 16. Blind endoscope insertion without knowing the position of structures behind the brush increases technical difficulty and likelihood of comb damage. To guide the insertion and improve first pass success, external markers indicate the position of spaces amenable to access by the endoscope, as demonstrated in Figure 19. Typically, these markers are placed to represent the space between frames but could also represent other internal spaces as required by the beekeeper. Preferably, to improve the reliability of these markers to accurately represent internal spaces, castellated frame rests as demonstrated in Figure 20 can fix frames in their horizontal position. The present invention is believed to have numerous advantages based on the experience of the inventor duringtesting. Firstly, as demonstrated in Figure 3, the brush prevents honeybees or insects exiting the hive through the opening used for endoscopy, improving the users’ ability to concentrate and focus on technical aspects of endoscope inspection and minimises colony defensive behaviours. It also reduces riskto the user from honeybee stings. In an urban setting, this will likely have the further advantage of reducing the number of airborne honeybees or insects during inspection that could create a danger or nuisance to nearby people or animals. Honeybees utilise honey to actively generate heat and maintain a core hive temperature of around 35 degrees Celsius. The present invention minimises airflow between the internal compartment and atmosphere. This has a large benefit over conventional inspection regardingtemperature loss and demonstrates another key reason why the occluding brush is a key inventive step in not just reducingthe exit of honeybees but also maintaining internal thermoregulation of the hive, as compared to an equivalent openingwith no brush. For beekeepers in temperate climates, atmospheric temperatures are often too cold to permit inspection for a large part of the year. In the United Kingdom, this is often the case from the end of October until the beginning of April, creating a five-month blind spot during which our only sources of information regarding colony health are by looking at the entrance for bee traffic and manually liftingthe hives to assess weight as a surrogate marker for remaining honey stores. The present invention hopes to aid insight into colony health during this period and provide beekeepers with vital information to plan for an upcoming season and minimise colony losses. Inspection of colonies is often a dauntingtask for novice beekeepers and the stated invention can permit them to view internal and often difficult to see structures in a controlled and calm way, before moving onto conventional inspections. Disease detection is a crucial but potentially challenging task for less experienced beekeepers, where differentiation between health and disease can be subtle. The National Bee Unit (6) employs regional bee inspectors who monitor and aid beekeepers with this, but resource restraints limit their ability to reach everyone. The present invention permits an endoscope to obtain close and high-definition views of the comb, eggs and larvae at all stages of development, as demonstrated in Figure 7. The user can then easily take a photo orvideo of anything they feel is suspicious, a facility available on most modern endoscopes at the press of a button, and then electronically send to a bee inspector or senior beekeeper for advice. This offers the chance for improved and more efficient disease monitoring on a national scale. The close-up nature of these images is almost impossible to replicate during a conventional inspection in the inventor’s experience. In hives suspected of having disease, the present invention provides a further advantage by permitting the beekeeper an internal view without exposing potentially diseased bees, larva and honeycomb to the external environment where bees from other hives may come into contact. Equipment hygiene is essential to minimising disease transmission between colonies. Beekeepers are currently faced with trying to disinfect hive tools, smokers, gloves and multiple other items each time they are used, adding to the length of inspections. The present invention permits beekeepers to use a single endoscope comprised of a narrow metal tube that can be cleaned quickly. Hygienic beekeeping practice includes the sterilisation of hive parts between uses, often by scorching wooden surfaces with a blowtorch or using sterilising products on non-wooden components. In either case, the present invention would be difficult to sterilise as the brush is not sufficiently heat proof and would also be difficult to clean with a sterilising solution. Preferably, a brush is attached to a removable strip inset into the design, typically made of wood and attached using two screws, that can be removed from the hive prior to sterilisation and a new, clean replacement placed in after. This is demonstrated in Figures 17 and 18. Detailed description of the drawings With reference to Figures 1 and 2, these demonstrate to the reader how most beekeeping equipment currently permits the inspection of internal hive surfaces by having a plurality of regularly spaced, parallel frames 2 within a box 1 allowing the removal of each frame during an inspection. Each frame contains comb, typically constructed of wax. To visualise all frames requires the removal of higher boxes to access frames in the lower ones, representing a substantial stress on the bees, interference to the colony’s activities and major disruption to colony thermoregulation. Important information, such as the presence of disease or if a queen is laying well, is often found in the lowest layer. In Figure 2, there are three layers of boxes 1 containing frames in this example hive; wherein 4 indicates the hive entrance and 3 the hive floor. With reference to Figure 3, this demonstrates how on applying gentle pressure with the endoscope tip 7, bristles within the brush 5, 6 are displaced around it facilitating easy insertion, whilst avoiding gaps large enough to permit the exit of bees. Compared to standard inspection methods, there will also be a reduction in relation to the density of bristles within the brush, of atmospheric exchange between the internal and external environments, reducing colony temperature loss. Within this drawing there are two layers of brush 5, 6 attached to opposing surfaces on the internal surfaces of the opening. The present invention includes the use of one layer of brush attached to an internal surface of the hole providing complete or partial occlusion. With reference to Figures 4 and 5, this demonstrates how the present invention can be applied to a hive 8 and how insertion of the endoscope 7 connects the user immediately to the internal surfaces of the hive 2. With reference to Figures 6 and 7, these demonstrate the use of a dual camera endoscope that has both a forward 9 and side 10 facing camera. Using this type of camera equipment, the user can obtain forward facing views 11 between comb surfaces and side-facing views 12 visualisingthe inner surfaces of the comb 13. An example of how this might be used is utilising the forward-facing camera to navigate between combsand avoid damagingtheirfragile surfaces whilst moving the endoscope tip to the opposing side of the hive. On reachingthe opposingwall, the user can switch to using a side camera and then withdraw back through the same space whilst assessing the contents of the comb. With reference to Figures 8, 9,10 and 11, these are cross-sectional views 14 through a box (i.e. a container) according to the invention. The fulcrum effect 18, defined as a point about which a lever pivots, allows a rigid endoscope 7 to access a large scope of the comb surface through the opening of the present invention by using the lower edge of the openingas a fulcrum. The rotation of the endoscope around the fulcrum 17 is limited in proportion to the depth of the opening. Chamfering 15, rounding or reducing the thickness of the lower edge 16 allows a greater range of movement and therefore increases the surface area of comb that can be visualised. For assessment of changes overtime, it is important to reliably visualise the same parts of the comb surface with each inspection. One or more calibration lines 19 on the opposing hive wall, as demonstrated in Figure 12 with a cut away segment of the box 21, allows the user to achieve a horizontal angle 20 or any other desired angle, dependent on the height of the line. By visualisingthe calibration line in theirfield of view with an endoscope or other camera equipment, it reliably reproduces an angle of insertion / withdrawal. On withdrawal of the endoscope, they can maintain this angle and inspect the same comb area seen on a previous inspection using this method. In reference to Figure 13, to protect the opening that characterises the present invention from damage, weather and pests between inspections, a cover 22 can be secured over it on the external surface. A colony of honeybees respires continuously, a byproduct of which is a rise in humidity of the internal hive environment. Overtime and without ventilation, moisture passes through the brush and builds up on the inside of any cover placed over the opening. Prolonged water exposure can lead to damage to the hive construction and brush integrity. A small ventilation hole or holes 23 within the cover, with or without a fine mesh to avoid entry of pests, maintains a dry internal environment between the cover and the opening. Hive design is varied and continually evolving. Worldwide a large number of different hive types will be in production. Some of these will use the Langstroth spacing methods, others may be a more basic container that allows the bees to space their own comb. With reference to Figure 14, this demonstrates how the present invention can be applied to less typical hive designs, such as those with curved surfaces 24. With reference to Figures 15 and 16, these relate to the incorporation of the present invention into hive designs that have an external layer or box 25 that surrounds an inner box 1 containing a plurality of frames 2. This includes but is not limited to the William Broughton Carr hive, also known as the WBC hive. In Figure 15, there is a demonstration of how an external box surrounds an internal one with a removable part in situ 26 to cover the access through the external layer when it’s not in use. In Figure 16, it depicts the passage of an endoscope 7 through a gap in the external box 27, which permits access to the openingthat characterises the present invention within the wall of the internal box 1. The brush is subject to wear overtime and will likely require replacing every few years for this or hygiene purposes. With reference to Figure 17, this demonstrates brush borders attached to removable strips 28 that permit easy replacement. A cutout segment for them to be attached to 29 is also shown. In Figure 18, these are secured in place 30. With reference to Figure 19, the external markings aid the user of the present invention by indicating where internal spaces, frames or other objects are located. This guides the initial trajectory of an endoscope or camera through the brush border and into the desired space, the location of which is otherwise unknown to the user prior to visualising inside the box or container. With reference to Figure 20, this demonstrates how castellated frame rests 32 placed internally prevent the horizontal deviation of frames from a fixed position, with the aim of improving the reliability of external markers 31 to indicate an internal space to place an endoscope. Literature cited 1. Johansson TSK, Johansson MP. Lorenzo L. Langstroth and the Bee Space. Bee World [Internet], 1967 Dec 1;48(4):133-43. Available from: https: / / doi.Org / 10.1080 / 0005772X.1967.11097170 2. Kahane F, Osborne J, CrowleyS, Shaw R. Motivations underpinning honeybee management practices: A Q methodology study with UK beekeepers. Ambio [Internet], 2022;51 (10):2155-68. Available from: https: / / doi.org / 10.1007 / s13280-022-01736-w 3. Natural Beekeeping trust [Internet], [cited 2024 Jun 13], Available from: https: / / www.naturalbeekeepingtrust.org / 4. GOV.UK. Inspection to control notifiable pests and disease [Internet], [cited 2024 Jun 13]. Available from: https: / / www.gov.uk / guidance / honey-bees-inspection-to-control-notifiable-pests-and-diseases 5. The Log Hive [Internet]. Available from: https: / / beekindhives.uk / the-log-hive / 5 6. National Bee Unit - Bee inspectors [Internet], [cited 2024 Jun 13]. Available from: https: / / www.nationalbeeunit.com / about-us / apiary-inspection-programme / the-statutory-apiary-inspection-programme-4 / #:~:text=The National Bee Inspector (NBI,Seasonal Bee Inspectors (SBIs). 10

Claims

1. A container for housing eusocial insects, the container having an opening through which an optical instrument can be inserted for the purpose of making a visual inspection of the interior of the container, wherein the opening is partially or fully occluded by a brush composed of bristles.

2. A container as claimed in claim 1, wherein the opening is on a wall of the container.

3. A container as claimed in claim 2, wherein the opening is located on a different or opposing wall to the wall that includes an entrance / exit through which the eusocial insects enter and leave the container.

4. A container as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3, which includes a plurality of vertically hung frames.

5. A container as claimed in claim 4, wherein there are castellated frame rests, or other supporting means, which ensure that the plurality of vertically hung frames are held in predetermined horizontally spaced positions.

6. A container as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5, which has a double-walled structure such that there is an inner wall enclosing a plurality of vertically hung frames, and an outer wall surrounding the said inner wall.

7. A container as claimed in claim 6, wherein the opening is located either on the inner wall or on the outer wall, or on both of those walls.

8. A container as claimed in claim 6 or claim 7, wherein the outer wall has a removable piece or segment that permits access to the opening.

9. A container as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, which is a beehive and the eusocial insects are Apis Mellifera.

10. A container as claimed in claim 9, wherein the insects are species of the Bombus genus.

11. A container as claimed in one of the preceding claims, wherein the optical instrument is a borescope or an endoscope.

12. A container as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the brush is formed of two opposing layers of bristles.

13. A container as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the bristles are detachable.

14. A container as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the bristles are made of nylon.

15. A container as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one of the edges of the opening is bevelled.

16. A container as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the edges of the opening have a cut-out or set-in profile.

17. A container as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the opening has a cover.

18. A container as claimed in claim 17, wherein the cover has a ventilation hole.

19. A container as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the interior of the container has one or more markings to act as a reference point to assist in the visual inspection.

20. A container as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the exterior of the container has one or more markings to indicate the position of vertically hung frames, spaces or other objects or structures within the container and so act as a reference point to assist in the visual inspection.

21. A method of making a visual inspection of a container housing eusocial insects, which comprises inserting an optical instrument through the opening in a container as claimed in any one of the preceding claims.

22. A method as claimed in claim 21, wherein the optical instrument is a borescope or an endoscope.

23. A method as claimed in claim 21 or claim 22, wherein the container is a beehive and the eusocial insects are Apis Mellifera.14 05 25AMENDMENTS TO THE CLAIMS HAVE BEEN FILED AS FOLLOWS:-CLAIMS1. A container for housing eusocial insects, the container having an opening through which an optical instrument can be inserted for the purpose of making a visual inspection of the interior of the container, wherein the opening is partially or fully occluded by a brush composed of bristles.

2. A container as claimed in claim 1, wherein the opening is on a wall of the container.

3. A container as claimed in claim 2, wherein the opening is located on a different or opposing wall to the wall that includes an entrance / exit through which the eusocial insects enter and leave the container.

4. A container as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3, which includes a plurality of vertically hung frames.

5. A container as claimed in claim 4, wherein there are castellated frame rests, or other supporting means, which ensure that the plurality of vertically hung frames are held in predetermined horizontally spaced positions.

6. A container as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5, which has a double-walled structure such that there is an inner wall enclosing a plurality of vertically hung frames, and an outer wall surrounding the said inner wall.

7. A container as claimed in claim 6, wherein the opening is located either on the inner wall or on the outer wall, or on both of those walls.

8. A container as claimed in claim 6 or claim 7, wherein the outer wall has a removable piece or segment that permits access to the opening.

9. A container as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, which is a beehive and the eusocial insects are Apis Mellifera.

10. A container as claimed in claim 9 claims 1 to 8, wherein the insects are species of the Bombus genus.

11. A container as claimed in one of the preceding claims, wherein the optical instrument is a borescope or an endoscope.

12. A container as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the brush is formed of two opposing layers of bristles.

13. A container as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the bristles are detachable.

14. A container as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the bristles are made of nylon.

15. A container as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one of the edges of the opening is bevelled.

16. A container as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the edges of the opening have a cut-out or set-in profile.

17. A container as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the opening has a cover.

18. A container as claimed in claim 17, wherein the cover has a ventilation hole.

19. A container as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the interior of the container has one or more markings to act as a reference point to assist in the visual inspection.

20. A container as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the exterior of the container has one or more markings to indicate the position of vertically hung frames, spaces or other objects or structures within the container and so act as a reference point to assist in the visual inspection.

21. A method of making a visual inspection of a container housing eusocial insects, which comprises inserting an optical instrument through the opening in a container as claimed in any one of the preceding claims.

22. A method as claimed in claim 21, wherein the optical instrument is a borescope or an endoscope.

23. A method as claimed in claim 21 or claim 22, wherein the container is a beehive and the eusocial insects are Apis Mellifera.

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