Beehive Behind the Salon, photo credit Lyndlee Brown

I have been going to the same hairdresser in the same salon for ages.  On my recent visit, my hairdresser told me about a robust bee activity that seemed to have sprouted out of nowhere and materialized in the little backyard they maintained behind the salon. The little enclave was their getaway in the middle of the day to lounge, nap, sun themselves, just chill, until the next appointment arrived.  But not with busy little winged intruders flitting about! They noticed the sizable nest Team Buzz had crafted so efficiently and judiciously.  There was certainly a thriving community in there, they observed. They all agreed the hive was not to be destroyed or messed with.  Worker bees are a respected and revered bunch.  And so, the search for the appropriate humane and environmentally-correct solution was sought.

The Bee Whisperer at Work, photo credit Lyndlee Brown

One of the other members in the salon found a “bee whisperer” on the internet. The call was made and the appointment was scheduled. The bee whisperer came and while they all watched, he assessed the hive. He spoke gently in a soft-spoken voice, and explained as he worked. The much maligned bees are not aggressive by nature. They are programmed from birth to build their hive and propagate their kind. They normally do not bother humans unless threatened. And so, refraining from sudden movements and swatting at them helps prevent stinging.

Honeycomb from the Hive, photo credit Lyndlee Brown

The bee whisperer had a feather and a box with small opening.  He proceeded to coax the bees with his feather, to come out and move to the box.  He continued to speak calmly to the bees, gently scolding a few who tried to sting him.  He transferred the honeycombs that they have made so far, saving one for the salon staff to marvel at and enjoy.  By nightfall, the move was complete.  The bees were off the next day to a bee farm where they can live out their reproductive season in more bucolic surroundings.

Fresh Honey, photo credit Lyndlee Brown

I have never heard of such a profession but obviously there is one now. I can’t help but wonder if it’s unique to California and all the environmental causes the state has championed over the years.  I suspect the industry is quite prevalent all over the country and even in other parts of the world.

Postscript:  For those of you who might be interested in more details about Bee Whisperers and the Beekeeping industry, here are some links:

1.  http://www.etsy.com/blog/en/2012/the-bee-whisperer/

2.  http://www.portalwisconsin.org/bee_whisperer.pdf

3.  http://basicbeekeeping.blogspot.com/

4.  http://www.sanmateobee.org/

5.  http://pubs.cas.psu.edu/freepubs/pdfs/agrs93.pdf