The BeeHolder, July 2011

Ideally, the swarm coordinator would be available at home 24 hours a day during the swarming season, with access to telephone and the internet. It is a distinct advantage if his/her telephone contract is one with free outgoing calls at any time!

Before the swarming season, the coordinator makes contact with the Local Authority, the Police, Fire and Ambulance Services, both at local stations and their respective headquarters, to inform them of the services we provide for the removal of swarms, giving contact details. At the same time the swarm removal service is publicesed in prominent places, such as doctors' and dentists' surgeries, free public advertising sites in supermarkets and the like.

The press are also be asked to publish information about the Association giving details about bees, swarming, and who to contact. As the public generally are unable to differentiate between bees and wasps we indicate that we are willing to give advice. This information appears twice, once at the start of the swarm season and again a couple of weeks later if possible (a jar of local honey works wonders). Another useful contact is using the local freegle groups internet site to advertise our work.

So far as the members are concerned, a list is made of those requiring swarms. This includes names and locations, telephone numbers, distance willing to travel to collect a swarm and whether or not assistance is required for their first swarm. Members putting their names on the list should ensure that they have the facility and equipment required to collect a swarm. A cardboard box perhaps? And a hive to put the bees in at the apiary or home?

On report of a swarm the first person on the list in that area is telephoned and given the available details of the swarm together with names and telephone number of the person reporting. They can then get any further information from the source such as the requirement for special equipment - a ladder may be required or deatiled directions by mobile phone.

It would be nice, but not essential, to receive a return call on the completion of the collection : it is essential to get a return call if the person going has a change of mind and decides not to go for any reason. This enables the call to be passed down to the next person on the list. A phone call is essential, not an email as the computer is not manned 24/7 If you find that you no longer need a swarm please let the coordinator know as soon as possible to save unnecessary phone calls.

It is an required skill to be able to fend off calls diplomatically without bringing the Association into disrepute. Numerous calls are received from householders who say they have a swarm, but in reality have a wasps nest. Some are genuinely worried not knowing the difference between bees and wasps, and just want advice and reassurance, but others are just trying to get the wasps removed for free, as the local authority and pest controllers charge heavily for this service.

You have to be prepared to receive calls into the night, like one I received from a vicar at 11-30 p.m. who wanted, nay, demanded, that we do something immediately with the masonry bees that were allegedly eating his church. Fortunately his church was in Shropshire so he was provided with the telephone number of the Shropshire bee keepers

Another late one was from a lady who also demanded that we removed four bees that were threatening to sting her children. When asked where the four bees were she replied that they were in the window. She was advised to open the window.

You meet a lot of nice people doing the job, mainly on the phone and it is nice to be able to help them to help us.

Roy Mander