Beemaster's International Beekeeping Forum

BEEKEEPING LEARNING CENTER => HONEYBEE REMOVAL => Topic started by: dp on June 15, 2010, 10:20:44 pm

Title: What is the most effective way to get called for swarms?
Post by: dp on June 15, 2010, 10:20:44 pm

I really want to catch a swarm.  So far, I've let a lot of people know that I'm interested in catching one and put my name on Craigslist.  I've got one call that there was a mass of flying bees, but I never could locate the swarm.  I know that over time, the word will get out that I'm a beekeeper, but I'd like to get my hive #'s up sooner rather than later. 

So...what is the most effective method?  As far as I know, there are no "swarm lists" in my county.

Title: Re: What is the most effective way to get called for swarms?
Post by: harvey on June 15, 2010, 10:32:29 pm

Call your central dispatch and let them know you are a bee keeper,  Some people call 911 when they have a swarm land.  I put my name on a list there but there is like twenty people on the list.  Not sure if they call from the top down each time or not?  Havn't got a call yet but at least my name is out there.

Title: Re: What is the most effective way to get called for swarms?
Post by: AllenF on June 15, 2010, 10:33:21 pm

Call up all the pest control guys around and let them know you can take care of that for them.   Or flyberties.    Advertise with airplanes.   Works for GEICO.

Title: Re: What is the most effective way to get called for swarms?
Post by: hardwood on June 15, 2010, 11:27:05 pm

I get most of my calls from various animal control folks and pest control companies.

Scott

Title: Re: What is the most effective way to get called for swarms?
Post by: JP on June 15, 2010, 11:31:19 pm

Zoos, fire stations, plant nurseries, police stations, pest control companies, state agricultural departments, home depot (if you have cards drop them by the pest section) do it yourself pest control stores...

And lastly but not least, all bee clubs in your area.


...JP

Title: Re: What is the most effective way to get called for swarms?
Post by: asprince on June 16, 2010, 10:20:45 am

For me it took awhile to get my name out there. I now get calls from the following areas:

1. Extension Agency
2. 911
3. Pest control companies
4. Word of mouth

Steve
   

Title: Re: What is the most effective way to get called for swarms?
Post by: Shawn on June 16, 2010, 11:56:53 am

All the above! I am a police officer and people do call 911 for swarms and even when they finally discover they bees coming and going from a hole in their house. Our County only has one dispatch for all the agencies so it makes it easy on me. I let the people know at Walmart in the home and garden know that way if people come in for bee killer they would tell them about me. Last year I gave some free honey away to public figures and that has lead me to referals from them for swarms and hives inside peoples houses. Good luck.

Title: Re: What is the most effective way to get called for swarms?
Post by: glenn c hile on June 17, 2010, 10:25:53 am

Internet listings.  I have gotten several calls from people who google swarm removal.  Do it for your area / state and see what lists come jup and sign up.

Title: Re: What is the most effective way to get called for swarms?
Post by: Pink Cow on June 17, 2010, 08:01:30 pm

If there are any wildlife rescue/rehab places in the area check to see if they keep a list. I've received two calls from people who got my name there and haven't even contacted them. They apparently keep the list from our beekeeping club handy so they can refer callers.

Title: Re: What is the most effective way to get called for swarms?
Post by: Grandma_DOG on June 22, 2010, 12:52:04 am

Be careful, once the dispatcher or fire station get your number, you may get 5 calls a week.  It is a good problem to have, but it ran me ragged this last spring.