Not intending to be read as "smoking pipe in all wigwams" I was with Jim's Dad for many years inclusive of those spent as a commercial pollinator. Downsizing in Retirement and relocating to an area I found to have SHB I changed to mimic Wally's "need to own a vague idea of each colony", admittedly much of that done as "drive by inspect"... as experience allows.
Yet hearing the thrust if your post Van I have to offer a 'standard', and that would go like - two days post every cycle, so around 23/4 days. After an adjustment/manipulation a maximum of 10 days to cover those things that can change In a solid flow, a topend check every five days.
All that said Nature can often decide for you. Currently I am 'quiet' as we have had no reticulated power since Sunday night. and as now there is a significant rain event - "The WET Season" - I doubt any repair to the line before Saturday, maybe Monday. No 'electricity means no phones an' certainly no Internet, definitely no driving off hardstand to check on hives.
Last Saturday I did swarm control on one of the production
colony's in an out yard and should have been back there today but cannot get back in there with flooded creeks whatever..so it is Town only to stock up on me WeetBix[tm].
For those reading me for the first time..?.,our Wet Season is everyone elses's "Winter". A tricky time for B'keepn in the Tropics. If a colony is going to go down..?.,now in these conditions is the time..an often you cannot get near them, anywhere.
http://www.bo m.gov.au/products/IDR192.loop.shtml#skip
Bill