swarm-list Mailing List: notification and response - and how to get swarm calls to the bee-less

[Gerald Przybylski (gtp000000]

    We already have a quasi-rule that 
> If you got a swarm in the last day or two, hold off a
>         few minutes before claiming to give others (beeless) a chance to
>         respond. 
>     
    This, we hope, somewhat  reduces the "pouncing-on" problem the
    responders usually cite. 
    
    
    Please keep in mind that while the swarm is posted, the
    volunteer is a kind of a prisoner of their computer. 
    So from that side, the faster the better. 
    Call postings 15 or 20 minutes old are fair-game for anyone, no
    matter how recently you collected a swarm.  
    This point and the next one are relevant. 
    
    Please also keep in mind that the swarm clock is ticking.  
    Every minute is one closer to the swarm picking up and leaving for
    parts unknown, and the chaser possibly having a dry run. 
    
    Much better if the responsiveness of the email system can be
      improved. 
    • Set the Email account to "Push Notifications" and 
    • Set the phone up to Alert when an email comes in from that
    account  ---  and look at the email when the phone beeps
    (my iPhone can be configured to check every 10 minutes, which is
    where the "wait a few minutes" point above comes from) 
    (a timer on the phone can be set to remind the user to check emails
    too.  Every 10 minutes, or 5, for a refresh)
    
    If the bee-less are waiting for that unicorn,  a (large) swarm
    at knee level just down the street in a convenient bush, 
    that ideal has to be given up on. 
    In 9 years taking hotline calls, only twice was there a posted swarm
    within a 2 block radius of home. 
    A 15 to 30 minute drive is much more likely to be called for.   - a
    few miles of city driving. 
    
    We already ask that, if you take a swarm call, be willing to have a
    newbie join so that they can see how it's done. 
    That requires the newbie to be proactive making contact with the
    swarm catcher.  
    By phone is probably best, which is why we ask that you include your
    phone number when making a claim. 
    
    Those who are beeless could perhaps band together to alert each
    other when a swarm is posted in their area. 
    It's gaming the system in the best possible way if it works.  
    It shortens the time to getting a claim for the people who most need
    it  without loading up the volunteers with more work. 
    One would think that with 350 to 450 swarms to place this year,
    everyone who wants to could claim a call. 
    
    Thank you for your patience.
    Thank you all on behalf of the bees that are rescued by your
    efforts.
    Thank you to those of you who love the adventure and pass the bees
    on to others who can't go out on the calls. 
    
    Put out more swarm traps. Ask friends to host swarm traps for you. 
    
    Let your NextDoor zone know you're willing to collect swarms.  My
    neighbors who know we keep bees have alerted us about swarms. 
    Hand your card and number to businesses near by so they have an
    option when bees settle on or near their business. 
    
    I the job/family/other-commitments calendar is so tight that chasing
    swarms can't be wedged in, then perhaps purchasing
    a nuc colony from a local beekeeper is a better option.  
    
    jerry

On 5/5/25 8:34 AM, Bees & Beeks via swarm-list wrote:

> I agree with Susan.  It does seem the few individuals take bulk of swarms calls.  I understand for difficult or public places that requires experienced personnel but regular and easy swarms should be given longer so those who are not constantly checking or has spotty internet connection are given an opportunity.
>
> Mimi 
>
> Sent from my iPhone
>
> > On May 5, 2025, at 6:20 AM, susan--- via swarm-list <swarm-list [at] alamedabees.org> wrote:
> >
> > I really don't understand why we can't wait even 15 or 20 minutes for someone to claim a swarm, unless it's in a public place where people may be scared. It does seem like the same few people take most of the swarms; I wonder what they do with them all?
> >
> > Susan Kuchinskas
> > 1-510-368-0455
> > @susankuchinskas
> > Kuchinskas.com
> >
> > -----Original Message-----
> > From: swarm-list <swarm-list-bounces+susan=kuchinskas.com [at] alamedabees.org> On Behalf Of Nick Ashwa via swarm-list
> > Sent: Sunday, May 4, 2025 9:03 PM
> > To: susan [at] kuchinskas.com
> > Cc: Nick Ashwa <nick.ashwa [at] gmail.com>; Daisy Knutson <daisyshah [at] gmail.com>
> > Subject: Re: [ACBA Swarmlist] WHO Doesn't Have Bees, and wants them? What cities are you in? What prevents you from chasing swarms?
> >
> > Hi,
> > Castro Valley. I’ve caught one swarm 2 years ago. Lost all bees over this winter, and looking for a fresh start.
> >
> > Work schedule makes it hard to catch over weekday/business hours, but can over the weekdays or when I work from home. Can cover Danville, San Ramon, Castro Valley, etc on the weekends if someone just calls or instant notifies.
> >
> > The email notifications are usually too late for me as someone already would’ve claimed them before the email even rings on my phone. Not sure how folks respond within minutes of an email being sent(any inputs).
> >
> > Would prefer like a group messaging system, or happy to be sign up to be on-call for weekends or other times. Can indicate list of areas that I can cover.
> >
> > Regards,
> > Nikhil Jali
> >
> > > On May 4, 2025, at 8:43 PM, Daisy Knutson via swarm-list <swarm-list [at] alamedabees.org> wrote:
> > >
> > > 
> > > Hi All,
> > >
> > > I am just getting into beekeeping and would like to catch a swarm. I am located in Oakland near Fruitvale.  
> > >
> > > The two reasons that prevent me from chasing swarms are my inexperience (only knowledge is from watching many YouTube videos) and I haven't got any beekeeping equipment as of yet.
> > >
> > > I would love to join someone in a swarm chase in the Oakland/Alameda/Berkeley areas.  However not sure how to go about with posting that. Or if anyone has equipment that I could borrow until I get my own.
> > >
> > > Thanks,
> > > Daisy
> > > (510) 557-2275
> > >
> > > ---------------------------------------------------------------------
> > > Safety first! No swarm is worth risking injury to self, or host.
> > > Make sure you're familiar with the swarm catching guidelines at
> > > <https://www.alamedabees.org/swarm-catching-guidelines/>.
> > >
> > > To unsubscribe or modify your subscription options, to learn how to
> > > filter these messages, or to view the archives, see:
> > > <https://www.alamedabees.org/swarm-list-tips/>.
> > >         
> > ---------------------------------------------------------------------
> > Safety first! No swarm is worth risking injury to self, or host.
> > Make sure you're familiar with the swarm catching guidelines at <https://www.alamedabees.org/swarm-catching-guidelines/>.
> >
> > To unsubscribe or modify your subscription options, to learn how to filter these messages, or to view the archives, see:
> > <https://www.alamedabees.org/swarm-list-tips/>.
> >
> >
> > ---------------------------------------------------------------------
> > Safety first! No swarm is worth risking injury to self, or host.
> > Make sure you're familiar with the swarm catching guidelines at
> > <https://www.alamedabees.org/swarm-catching-guidelines/>.
> >
> > To unsubscribe or modify your subscription options, to learn how
> > to filter these messages, or to view the archives, see:
> > <https://www.alamedabees.org/swarm-list-tips/>.
> >       
> ---------------------------------------------------------------------
> Safety first! No swarm is worth risking injury to self, or host.
> Make sure you're familiar with the swarm catching guidelines at
> <https://www.alamedabees.org/swarm-catching-guidelines/>.
>
> To unsubscribe or modify your subscription options, to learn how
> to filter these messages, or to view the archives, see:
> <https://www.alamedabees.org/swarm-list-tips/>.
>