A Guide for Beekeepers

Every spring and summer, 911 call centers and fire departments get calls from people reporting bee swarms. These are not emergencies, but most dispatchers do not have a clear process for handling them. Swarmed gives them an easy option to refer non-urgent swarm calls to local beekeepers.

As a local beekeeper, you are in the best position to make this introduction and get more swarms reported in your area.

How to Find the Right Contact

• Start by checking your city or county website.
• Look for the non-emergency phone number or email for 911 dispatch, public safety, or fire services.
• In smaller towns, contact the fire chief or police department.
• In larger areas, search for the Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP) or community liaison.

How to Start the Conversation

• Explain you are a local beekeeper offering a solution to a common public concern.
• Focus on the practical benefits for emergency services: fewer unnecessary calls, a reliable referral option, and faster swarm removal by local beekeepers.
• Make it clear that Swarmed is for non-emergency swarm reports only.

Talking Points

• Bee swarms are harmless but can create fear and anxiety among the public.
• People often call 911 or fire departments because they do not know where else to turn.
• Swarmed (beeswarmed.org) connects swarm reports directly to beekeepers who can help.
• This keeps emergency services focused on real emergencies.
• You are part of the local beekeeping community and can respond to these reports.

One Pager:

Swarmed: A Resource for Non-Emergency Bee Swarm Reports