Each spring and summer, hundreds of thousands of honey bee swarms land on residents' properties and in public spaces. These swarms, although usually harmless, cause alarm, and many call 911 or an exterminator, rather than a beekeeper. Citizens of the Hive has shared a public resource for folks to get help with a swarm at no cost while protecting critical pollinators. Citizens of the Hive is a nonprofit initiative that helps the public report honey bee swarms and hear from local beekeepers in minutes.
It’s designed to reduce strain on city staff and emergency services while ensuring swarms are safely rehomed, not destroyed. There are 216 beekeepers in NJ ready to respond to swarm reports. Many beekeepers are happy to collect swarms as a public service and as a way to replenish their hives after this year's particularly high winter losses. You can use the public reporting tool here.