Swarm season is here! When the public reports a swarm, our club coordinates a fast response to rescue the bees and get them into the hands of our members. This page walks you through exactly how the program works so you can be a productive swarm catcher this season.
How the Swarm Program Works
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The Public Reports a SwarmA homeowner or member of the public contacts us about a swarm on their property. We collect as much detail as possible — location, size of the swarm, how long it's been there, height off the ground, accessibility — and request photos whenever we can get them. |
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We Vet & Verify the SwarmBefore alerting members, we verify the report. We confirm the caller is describing an actual honey bee swarm (not wasps, not an established hive in a wall, etc.), gather any missing details, and assess the situation so we can give you accurate information. |
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Mass Text Goes Out to Opted-In MembersEvery member who has opted into the swarm program receives a text message with the swarm details. This is your alert — a live swarm is available and we need someone to go get it. |
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⚡ Respond ONLY If You Can Go RIGHT NOWThis is the most important part of the program. When you respond to the text, we need to know: ✅ How quickly can you stop what you're doing and head out? ✅ How long will it take you to get to the swarm location? ✅ Are you ready to catch this swarm within the next 3 hours? 🚫 Do NOT respond if you can go "later today" or "tomorrow."
We need boots on the ground within 1-2 hours. Swarms don't wait. |
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First Come, First Serve AssignmentSwarms are assigned first come, first serve. The first member who responds with a realistic, fast timeline gets the swarm. Once assigned, you will receive the homeowner's name, phone number, and address. |
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Contact the HomeownerOnce you are assigned the swarm, it is your responsibility to: 📞 Call the homeowner and introduce yourself 🕐 Give them a specific time you will arrive and confirm that works for them 🔍 Assess the situation yourself — ask questions, confirm the swarm is still there 🐝 Show up and catch the bees at no charge |
⏰ Remember: Swarms Are Temporary
A swarm of bees will not stay in one place forever. From the moment a swarm is reported, the clock is ticking. During all the coordination — verifying, texting, assigning, calling the homeowner — those bees could leave at any time. That's why speed matters. The faster you respond and arrive, the better your chances of catching them. Always call the homeowner first to confirm the bees are still there before you drive out.
How to Opt In to the Swarm Program
To receive swarm text alerts, you must opt in through the members-only section of our website:
Once logged in, navigate to the Swarm Phone Number area and register your cell number. This is the number that will receive swarm alert texts throughout the season.
Quick Reference: What Makes a Good Swarm Response
✅ Do ThisRespond quickly with a realistic time estimate Have your swarm gear ready to go during the season Call the homeowner as soon as you're assigned Confirm the swarm is still there before driving out Be professional — you represent our club |
🚫 Don't Do ThisRespond if you can't leave within the hour Say "I can go later today" or "maybe tomorrow" Claim a swarm and then delay contacting the homeowner Charge the homeowner for the swarm removal Skip calling ahead — always call first |
🐝 Johnson County Beekeepers • 2026 Swarm Season
Questions? Reach out to club leadership or visit jocobee.org