Viral Beekeeper Stung ‘Thousands’ of Times Says Most Frightening Part of Job Doesn’t Have to Do with the Insects (Exclusive)

### Viral Beekeeper Erika Thompson Shares Insights on Bee Conservation and Removal Techniques

Erika Thompson, a renowned beekeeper known for her viral social media presence, recently opened up about her unique approach to bee removal and her advocacy for bee conservation. With an extensive following of over 13 million across platforms like TikTok and Instagram, Thompson has transformed her passion for bees into a full-time career, all while educating the public on the crucial role bees play in maintaining global biodiversity.

Operating out of her home in Austin, Texas, Thompson maintains around 40 hives in what she refers to as her “bee sanctuary.” In addition to tending to her own bees, she also assists homeowners in relocating bee colonies that have found their way into unsuitable or unsafe environments. “There’s nowhere else I’d rather be than elbows deep in a hive full of bees,” she remarked, candidly admitting that she has probably been stung thousands of times during her decade-long journey in beekeeping.

Thompson’s fascination with bees began in her childhood, inspired by famed conservationist Jane Goodall. Although she aspired to study chimpanzees in Africa, her interest shifted to the accessible world of insects in her own backyard. “They were everywhere — easy to find, easy to collect,” she recounted, reflecting on how her early experiences with bugs shaped her future.

After enrolling in a beekeeping class in her twenties while working a fast-paced office job, Thompson soon became captivated by the complexities of bee colonies. This growing passion prompted her to establish a business called Texas Bee Works, where she offered private lessons and educational presentations on beekeeping. As her interest deepened, she began providing hive removal services, further expanding her role in the community.

In recent years, social media has played a pivotal role in amplifying Thompson’s efforts. A video she posted five years ago went viral, catapulting her into the spotlight and leading to speaking engagements at prestigious events, including the United Nations and the World Economic Forum. Despite the fame, Thompson emphasises that her real joy comes from the hands-on work of bee removals. “Every removal is different. The bees can inhabit a myriad of unusual places, from cabinets to suitcases,” she detailed, showcasing the unpredictability of her job.

When it comes to the actual bee removal process, Thompson employs a range of specialist tools. She uses a smoker to sedate the bees, making them less likely to sting, along with a hive tool to pry apart honeycomb. Rubber bands help secure the honeycomb for its transfer into a new hive, and a queen clip is utilised to transport the queen bee safely. This meticulous care ensures the bees are moved safely, rather than exterminated.

Thompson asserts that she does not consider herself an exterminator, stating that those in that profession typically choose to eliminate bees rather than relocate them. Nonetheless, she acknowledges the potential for stings during removals, albeit attributing them largely to her own oversight.

Curiosity often arises regarding Thompson’s feelings during these intense situations with swarming bees. While some might assume she would be fearful, she clarifies that her concerns lie elsewhere. “I’ve never felt frightened by the bees,” she stated, adding that her encounters with other wildlife and occasionally aggressive people pose a greater challenge.

For Thompson, each day is filled with anticipation. “It’s like Christmas morning every day for me,” she described. This infectious enthusiasm is paired with a commitment to educating her followers about the true nature of bees. She encourages people to understand that, like humans, bees become defensive only when they feel threatened. “They’re more similar than dissimilar to us,” she noted, sharing a relatable analogy about personal defensiveness over lost belongings.

Through her prolific online presence and significant community engagement, Erika Thompson is not only redefining public perceptions of beekeeping but also playing a crucial role in advocating for the preservation of these vital pollinators. As she continues to share her journey, she hopes her efforts inspire others to appreciate and protect the indispensable role that bees play in our ecosystems.