Educate as You Go

Most people reporting swarms know very little about bees or swarms and may be quite anxious about the situation. Folks are often also curious to learn.

• Take a moment to explain what a swarm is (a natural, non-aggressive event).
• Help them understand why rescuing, not exterminating, is the right call.
• This builds community goodwill and encourages future reports.

Spread the Buzz Locally

Swarmed only works if people know about it.

• Mention it to the property owner, neighbors, local shops.
• Use flyers, business cards, or direct people to beeswarmed.org.
• Every new swarm report strengthens your local network.

Prepare Before You Arrive

• Bring the right tools: protective gear, bee box, smoker, ladder if needed.
• Confirm the swarm’s exact location and property access with the reporter before arriving.
• Respect private property — always get permission before entering.

Prioritize Safety

Your safety — and that of bystanders — comes first.

• Never attempt to collect swarms in dangerous locations (e.g., power lines, unstable structures).
• If in doubt, it’s okay to decline, there is no penalty for unclaiming a swarm on your dashboard.
• Consider coordinating with fellow beekeepers for tricky situations.

Set Clear Expectations