With swarm season starting I wanted to do another friendly reminder about Apalachee's policy concerning swarms and removals.
Due to potential liability issues. Apalachee Beekeepers does NOT catch swarms or remove bees from structures, trees etc. We do provide a public service for people in need by matching people in need or honey bee removals with club members who provide those services. Members who provide the service assume total liability for their actions. DO NOT say you are from the Apalachee Beekeepers Association. You're on your own!.
Per DOACS rules,The removal and relocation of bees by a beekeeper registered pursuant to Section 586.045, F.S., from a structure, lawn, or ornamental for the production of honey and related products or the pollination of plants or crops shall not be considered pest control. You can't kill the bees!
[https://www.flrules.org/gateway/ruleno.asp?id=5E-14.151&Section=0](https://www.flrules.org/gateway/ruleno.asp?id=5E-14.151&Section=0)
In the case of swarms, ABA will post a message to the FB & Email group giving basic info about the swarm. The first qualified person (see above) to "claim" the swarm will be provided with more specific location and contact info. Claim jumping is not allowed.
Good luck, good hunting, play fair and let's be careful out there