Swarm Calls - how to prevent your own tragic death?

[NWIN Beekeeper]

I remove a good number of swarms each year.

One early morning as I left to gather a swarm from the previous night,
my wife asked:  "if I 'bothered' anyone coming back so early in the morning?"
I replied: "No one's home, the home owner left early for work."

Then she asked, "what if you get into trouble?"
Meaning, what if I dropped a swarm and became overcome by angry bees.
It really hadn't dawned on me, but if a bystander found my body, there is a fair chance they'd have no idea that I had a life saving epi-pen or that bee stings were the cause of my demise.

Then we both wondered:

"What do other beekeepers do on swarm collections to make other people aware of what they are doing, and the emergency procedures to help?"

"How do you make emergency contact numbers an "easy discovery" to assure family is called? "

I think you understand my line of thinking, so feel free to contribute your own questions and ideas!!

Please avoid, "you're probably already dead" and "Keep your phone dialed to 911"  type comments.
I'm looking for real solutions at you already actively practice, or will practice after thinking about this. Tragic 

[marksmith]

Life Alert bracelet w/ 'Allergic to bee stings'  and a tool kit handy with the epi-pen right on top, readily accessible.

ICE numbers are already in most cell phones.  Keep that right next to the epi-pen.


This would probably be all the precautions I personally would take.  Any 'check in every 30 minutes' would distract you, and cause grief on the person at the other end of the phone.  I would, however, contact someone telling them I made it and it should take approx 2 hours to complete.  If ya dont here from me in 2 1/2 give me a call.  If that phone call catches you unaware, then drop what you are doing and answer the phone.

[Michael Bush]

Well, I admit I grew up in an era where we never wore helmets to ride a bicycle or ride a skateboard, and there were no seatbelts in the old cars (which is what we rode in), but I do nothing.  If I get stung, I get stung (which I do on a regular basis) and if I get stung badly (which I have before and will again, I'm sure) then I get stung badly...  I could get hit by a bus, but I have no plan for it other than some life insurance to pay off my house... and I think getting killed in an auto accident is infinitely more likely to kill me than the bees...

[NWIN Beekeeper]

["If I get stung, I get stung"]

I'm not starting a "tough man" post trying to find out how many stings a person can take. (I've had more than I can count)
Or asking who "disregards" equipment designed to hurt yourself less.  (I'm guilty, i often don't wear a veil)

My point is asking for safety measures that beekeepers DO use.

If you don't practice any - then please don't post.

[Kathyp]

take the replies you get and don't read the ones you don't like.

other than letting people know where you are and taking the usual precautions of equipment.  what else would there be?

[wd]

never go alone

always wear protection

hang up a sign with a small medical kit and directions on each site

place swarm in a reasonably unbreakable box with screen or hardware cloth for air strapped tight, if dropped it doesn't fall apart

[Bee Happy]

Establish a check-in time with a trusted contact who has the address where you should be - stick to the check in; if you aren't finished, call on time and establish a new check in time. That person will be able to tell emergency personnel (after a reasonable wait) where you should be and that you have an epi pen and where you keep it. (having an "ICE-'NWINBeekeeperwife'" contact listed in your cell phone for any number of reasons outside of bee calls is wise anyway).

[bigbearomaha]

Actually, MB wasn't making a competitive statement.  it's not about being a tough guy, it's about learning honey bee biology and behavior.  He was only saying the same thing  i am about to say...

There are some folks who see the risk of being stung to death as so un likely (provided they don't have a known, existing allergy requiring an epi-pen to be on hand) as to really not be worth worrying about.

I have dropped a swarm on me directly over my head before, with no hat/veil or other protection simply because I was over eager and the branch got away from me and bounced.

I have been literally covered with bees from a swarm, head to toe.

know how many stings I have gotten from a swarm?  the worst?

1

one sting because she got stuck in my hair and got my ear.

a 'wet' swarm is historically known to be about as docile as honey bees can get.  The 'dry' swarm is a different story, but if one is taking their time and being careful, even then the odds of a non-allergic person being stung to death are lower than having a plane fall out of the sky and land on you.

if one is that concerned about safety, keep a cell phone with you, even in a bad case, just have a one touch button for 911, you don't have to say anything.  If they get a call and no one is speaking but they can hear background noise, they can usually trace the call and send help.

EDIT...  I also do cutouts from houses, at that point in time, bees can become very anti-social.  Rule one about a cutout I have is NEVER be alone.  It's good to have a helper and someone who can get help if it's needed.

Swarms on the other hand,  fat and happy from gorging on honey and with no nest to defend..well  That's just too easy.


Big Bear

[buzzbee]

I think if you are allergic and need an epipen after a sting,it would be foolish to ever approach a swarm without protection. If it's carried along just in case you have your first reaction,that's a different matter.If you are hyper sensitive to stings,I think it would be prudent not to go when you will be completely alone and no one knows where you are or what your doing.
If working alone with potentially agressive bees,suit up,err on the safe side.Bees are not that valuable!

[JP]

Gee, I don't know, wear a T-shirt that says "In case I'm passed out and covered in bees call 911 please!"

All kidding aside if one is highly allergic they should wear full protection and notify loved ones when working with bees and their whereabouts.


...JP

[slacker361]

take your cell phone and dial 9   and 1     then you only have to push the last   1    when everything hits the fan :bee: :bee:

[Davepeg]

I would never attempt a swarm by myself if allergic - you just never know what you are going to encounter.

Make a sign up that explains you are allergic, have your epi pen attached to the sign and your emergency contact number.  Then leave the sign where someone will be sure to see it. 

And for your wife's peace of mind.... please call her when you say you will.

[riverrat]

i never really thought about it but i guess as long as everyone understood i died doing what i loved to do then dont morn for me as i died happy doing what i enjoy

[Thymaridas]

I am an experienced beekeeper, and can't really think of a life and death situation that I would be in with my bees. The worst scenario that I can imagine is falling from a ladder to get a swarm, but mostly I let younger beeks deals with those type of swarms. I am more of retrieve hives from structures and under grill covers.

About 10 years ago, I took the Red Cross First Aid course and maintain my certification. I also have 3 epipens. One on my belt, one in the truck glove box, and one in the bee bag, but this is mostly for any spectators who may be allergic. Swarms seem to pull out spectators.

I also have a couple of signs on a pedestal that says "Swarm removal in progress. Approach at your own risk." I put those up when I work where those spectators come out.

I guess what I am saying is that I trust my own experience and common sense for my safety and primarily worry about any spectators.

[Scadsobees]

I think that if there is concern for life-threatening danger (allergies or climbing over 15 feet) the only is to make sure you have somebody with you.  Even if it is your wife sitting in the car watching.

[Michael Bush]

I'm a guy who usually wears a jacket and viel and gloves.  I've never conisdered myself a "tough guy".  But I've also never seen an Epi Pen except for a picture someone sent me once...

As Big Bear pointed out, my point is I think the risk is much smaller than most I face everyday driving to work.  I think an Epi Pen is more dangerous than bees...

[AceCream]

Life Alert bracelet w/ 'Allergic to bee stings'  and a tool kit handy with the epi-pen right on top, readily accessible.

ICE numbers are already in most cell phones.  Keep that right next to the epi-pen.


This would probably be all the precautions I personally would take.  Any 'check in every 30 minutes' would distract you, and cause grief on the person at the other end of the phone.  I would, however, contact someone telling them I made it and it should take approx 2 hours to complete.  If ya dont here from me in 2 1/2 give me a call.  If that phone call catches you unaware, then drop what you are doing and answer the phone.

That would be a useful tool in case of emergency. It is easy and efficient to use. I remember the time when my friend used that Life alert bracelet and his family quickly responsed with it.

[fish_stix]

My gosh, folks! Why don't we get OSHA involved here. For sure we can come up with enough safety regs to make it impossible to die by bee sting. You're scaring me so bad I might never go out and capture a swarm again! If I do, Ill make sure to have emergency personnel standing by and ready to act. Do you lay awake at night and dream up these scenarios?

[BeeHopper]

Swarm Calls - how to prevent your own tragic death?

Easy, get out of the bee Biz.  ;)

Seriously Folks, Life is a Risk, whether you live it on the edge exploring the world around us or sitting on the couch never to leave the confines of the home.

The ONLY issue I worry about when on a swarm call is the use of a Ladder. It is sometimes difficult to focus when you are more then 8 feet off the ground and the bees are finding a spot on your suit that is touching your skin ( and they always do  :shock: ). Safety is a valid issue when responding to swarm calls, so do not rush into it, plan it out and always have a Buddy ( if you can ) with you. Accidents can be prevented or minimized, however Incidents always occur. ( Accidents and Incidents are two different Beasts ).

Be Safe ! :-D

[Kathyp]

8 feet off the ground and the bees are finding a spot on your suit that is touching your skin ( and they always do 

or my big error in not tucking in my shirt.  it's so hard not to squirm and jump when they are crawling up your back!   :-\