Terms of Service

Last updated: October 22, 2026

These Terms of Service ("Terms") govern your use of the Apis Rescue website, member program, and notifications. By signing up or using our service, you agree to these Terms. If you do not agree, please do not use the service.

1. About Apis Rescue

Apis Rescue helps connect people who have bee swarms with volunteer members who may be able to remove them. We are a referral and coordination service. We do not guarantee that any swarm will be removed, or that a member will be available, respond, or arrive by any particular time. Members are volunteers and do not work for Apis Rescue.

2. Eligibility and Membership

  • You must be at least 18 years old to become a member.
  • All sign-ups are reviewed. A new sign-up is "Pending" until approved, and we may approve, deny, suspend, or remove any member at our discretion.
  • You agree to give accurate information and keep it up to date.

3. Member Responsibilities

  • Members are independent volunteers. They are not employees, agents, or contractors of Apis Rescue.
  • Members are responsible for their own safety, equipment, training, transportation, permits, insurance, and compliance with all laws and regulations. Working with bees and working at heights are inherently risky.
  • Members agree to use a requester's name, phone number, and address only to complete the swarm job and not for any other purpose, including marketing or sharing with others.
  • Members should accept only jobs they can safely complete and should update the job status honestly (for example, claimed, closed, or abandoned).

4. Text Message Program Terms

  • Program: Apis Rescue member alerts.
  • What you'll receive: swarm and bee rescue job alerts near your address, and updates about your membership status.
  • Consent: by checking the consent box on our sign-up form and submitting it, you agree to receive these text messages at the mobile number you provided. Consent is required to receive text alerts.
  • Frequency: message frequency varies based on rescue calls in your area.
  • Cost: message and data rates may apply. Check with your wireless carrier.
  • Help: reply HELP to any message, or email chris@apisrescue.org.
  • Opt out: reply STOP at any time to stop receiving text messages. You may receive one final message confirming your opt-out. To rejoin, sign up again.
  • Carriers: wireless carriers are not liable for delayed or undelivered messages. Delivery is not guaranteed.
  • Privacy: see our Privacy Policy for how we handle your information. We do not share mobile numbers or SMS consent with third parties for their marketing purposes.

5. Requesting a Swarm Rescue

If you request a rescue, you confirm that you have authority to request work at the swarm location. You understand that members are volunteers, that availability and timing vary, and that some swarms may not be removable. If a swarm is dangerous or you are experiencing an emergency, such as a medical reaction to stings, call 911.

6. Acceptable Use

You agree not to submit false or misleading information, misuse another person's information, interfere with or attempt to disrupt our systems, or use the service for any unlawful purpose.

7. Disclaimers

The service is provided "as is" and "as available," without warranties of any kind, express or implied. We do not guarantee the skill, qualifications, or conduct of any member or the outcome of any swarm removal. Bee removal and related activities involve inherent risks, including stings, allergic reactions, falls, and property damage, and you assume those risks.

8. Limitation of Liability

To the fullest extent permitted by law, Apis Rescue and its organizers, volunteers, and affiliates are not liable for any indirect, incidental, special, or consequential damages, or for any injury, loss, or damage arising from your use of the service or from any swarm removal, whether performed by a member or anyone else. Our total liability for any claim is limited to $100.

9. Indemnification

You agree to defend and hold harmless Apis Rescue and its organizers and volunteers from claims, damages, and expenses (including reasonable attorney's fees) arising from your use of the service, your violation of these Terms, or your actions as a member or requester.

10. Termination

You may stop using the service at any time by replying STOP to texts and contacting us to remove your membership. We may suspend or end your access at any time, with or without notice.

11. Changes to These Terms

We may update these Terms from time to time. The "Last updated" date above shows the latest version. Continued use of the service after changes means you accept them.

12. Governing Law

These Terms are governed by the laws of the Commonwealth of Kentucky, without regard to conflict-of-law rules. Any dispute will be handled in the state or federal courts located in Kentucky.

13. Contact Us

Apis Rescue
Email: chris@apisrescue.org