Protecting People. Respecting the Environment.
Protecting People.
Respecting the Environment.
About Our Team
About Our Team
With over 70 years of combined experience, the BeeMaster team is ready to help you with any honey bee or wasp issues you may have, from removing bee hives or wasp nests to reducing bee and wasp activity or conducting research on these species in southern Arizona.
With over 70 years of combined experience, the BeeMaster team is ready to help you with any honey bee or wasp issues you may have, from removing bee hives or wasp nests to reducing bee and wasp activity or conducting research on these species in southern Arizona.
With over 70 years of combined experience, the BeeMaster team is ready to help you with any honey bee or wasp issues you may have, from removing bee hives or wasp nests to reducing bee and wasp activity or conducting research on these species in southern Arizona.
Protecting People. Respecting the Environment.
About Our Team
About Our Team
With over 40 years of combined experience, the BeeMaster team is ready to help you with any honey bee or wasp issues you may have, from removing bee hives or wasp nests to reducing bee and wasp activity or conducting research on these species in southern Arizona.
With over 40 years of combined experience, the BeeMaster team is ready to help you with any honey bee or wasp issues you may have, from removing bee hives or wasp nests to reducing bee and wasp activity or conducting research on these species in southern Arizona.
Protecting People.
Respecting the Environment.
About Our Team
About Our Team
With over 40 years of combined experience, the BeeMaster team is ready to help you with any honey bee or wasp issues you may have, from removing bee hives or wasp nests to reducing bee and wasp activity or conducting research on these species in southern Arizona.
Dr. Steven Thoenes
Owner, Original “BeeMaster”
Dr. Steven Thoenes
Owner &
Original “BeeMaster”
With over 50 years dedicated to the study and control of honey bees, Dr. Steven Thoenes is internationally recognized as one of the foremost authorities on honey bee behavior. His career spans groundbreaking research, award-winning innovation, and hands-on fieldwork that has redefined how we approach both the proactive and reactive management of nuisance bee populations.
A dual Bachelor of Science graduate in Chemistry (with a minor in Art) and Aquatic Biology from Northern Arizona University, Dr. Thoenes earned his MS in Entomology from Oklahoma State University and later his Ph.D. in Entomology with a minor in Biochemistry from the University of Arizona. As a Research Scientist with the USDA, he played a pivotal role in the early study of Africanized Honey Bees and was honored with the National Technology Transfer Award in 1990.
Dr. Thoenes is the founding owner of BeeMaster Inc., established in 1993, which remains the industry leader in high-quality bee control and mitigation services across Arizona and the greater Southwest. Over the course of his career, he has performed more than 30,000 bee removals, developed field-tested, ethical, and sustainable techniques, and trained hundreds of professionals in best practices for managing honey bee threats.
He holds three patents, with two additional patents pending, and has authored more than 50 scientific papers. A widely sought-after educator, consultant, and legal expert, Dr. Thoenes has made national media appearances, including Good Morning America and a feature in U.S. News & World Report in May 1997. His article “There’s Money in Honey Bees” was the cover story of the July 2002 issue of Pest Control Magazine.
Now, as founder of Aculeo Technologies LLC, he continues to push the boundaries of innovation in bee mitigation systems, focusing on sustainable solutions that protect both people and pollinators. He remains committed to education, mentorship, and delivering responsible, effective strategies for even the most complex bee-related challenges.
Dr. Thoenes welcomes collaboration with scientists, pest control professionals, media, and clients seeking expert guidance in this highly specialized field.
With over 50 years dedicated to the study and control of honey bees, Dr. Steven Thoenes is internationally recognized as one of the foremost authorities on honey bee behavior. His career spans groundbreaking research, award-winning innovation, and hands-on fieldwork that has redefined how we approach both the proactive and reactive management of nuisance bee populations.
A dual Bachelor of Science graduate in Chemistry (with a minor in Art) and Aquatic Biology from Northern Arizona University, Dr. Thoenes earned his MS in Entomology from Oklahoma State University and later his Ph.D. in Entomology with a minor in Biochemistry from the University of Arizona. As a Research Scientist with the USDA, he played a pivotal role in the early study of Africanized Honey Bees and was honored with the National Technology Transfer Award in 1990.
Dr. Thoenes is the founding owner of BeeMaster Inc., established in 1993, which remains the industry leader in high-quality bee control and mitigation services across Arizona and the greater Southwest. Over the course of his career, he has performed more than 30,000 bee removals, developed field-tested, ethical, and sustainable techniques, and trained hundreds of professionals in best practices for managing honey bee threats.
He holds three patents, with two additional patents pending, and has authored more than 50 scientific papers. A widely sought-after educator, consultant, and legal expert, Dr. Thoenes has made national media appearances, including Good Morning America and a feature in U.S. News & World Report in May 1997. His article “There’s Money in Honey Bees” was the cover story of the July 2002 issue of Pest Control Magazine.
Now, as founder of Aculeo Technologies LLC, he continues to push the boundaries of innovation in bee mitigation systems, focusing on sustainable solutions that protect both people and pollinators. He remains committed to education, mentorship, and delivering responsible, effective strategies for even the most complex bee-related challenges.
Dr. Thoenes welcomes collaboration with scientists, pest control professionals, media, and clients seeking expert guidance in this highly specialized field.
Helen Thoenes
Co-Owner & Operator
Helen Thoenes
Co-Owner & Operator
Helen Thoenes is the co-owner and operator of BeeMaster, a company she runs alongside her husband, Steven Thoenes, PhD—one of the world’s leading experts in nuisance honeybee behavior and removal. Helen’s journey into the world of bees began when she married the man who quite literally invented the company, and she’s been deeply involved ever since.
With a background as a professional musician and fitness professional, Helen brings creativity, discipline, and energy into everything she does. At BeeMaster, she helps oversee day-to-day operations, manage team dynamics, and shape the company’s long-term vision.
Outside of work, Helen enjoys lifting weights, diving into a good book, and spending time with her growing family—especially watching her grandbabies explore the world.
Helen Thoenes is the co-owner and operator of BeeMaster, a company she runs alongside her husband, Steven Thoenes, PhD—one of the world’s leading experts in nuisance honeybee behavior and removal. Helen’s journey into the world of bees began when she married the man who quite literally invented the company, and she’s been deeply involved ever since.
With a background as a professional musician and fitness professional, Helen brings creativity, discipline, and energy into everything she does. At BeeMaster, she helps oversee day-to-day operations, manage team dynamics, and shape the company’s long-term vision.
Outside of work, Helen enjoys lifting weights, diving into a good book, and spending time with her growing family—especially watching her grandbabies explore the world.
Christian Thoenes
Chief Operations Officer
Christian Thoenes
Chief Operations Officer
Christian is the youngest of Steve's three boys, and has spent countless hours in the work truck alongside his father. One of his favorite sayings when asked how long he has been working with bees is "I was basically born inside a bee swarm!"
He has recently been promoted to COO and now handles all of the day-to-day operations of the company, including scheduling jobs, contacting clients, performing removals, and even helping Garret in the apiaries. Christian has been working professionally in the pest control industry for the past 7 years, 4 of which have been at BeeMaster.
Christian has been married to his lovely wife, Julia, since 2020, and recently celebrated the expansion of his family with the birth of their first child, Asher, in 2024. He also has a 10 year old black lab, who has been overjoyed with the welcome addition of a baby brother, as well as the dropped snacks that come with him!
When not busy with work, Christian loves to read, play video games, solve puzzles, and construct small wooden gadgets. Basically anything where he can keep his hands and mind busy! He also is part of the Tucson Adult Soccer League, where he plays soccer on friday nights with his friends.
Christian is the youngest of Steve's three boys, and has spent countless hours in the work truck alongside his father. One of his favorite sayings when asked how long he has been working with bees is "I was basically born inside a bee swarm!"
He has recently been promoted to COO and now handles all of the day-to-day operations of the company, including scheduling jobs, contacting clients, performing removals, and even helping Garret in the apiaries. Christian has been working professionally in the pest control industry for the past 7 years, 4 of which have been at BeeMaster.
Christian has been married to his lovely wife, Julia, since 2020, and recently celebrated the expansion of his family with the birth of their first child, Asher, in 2024. He also has a 10 year old black lab, who has been overjoyed with the welcome addition of a baby brother, as well as the dropped snacks that come with him!
When not busy with work, Christian loves to read, play video games, solve puzzles, and construct small wooden gadgets. Basically anything where he can keep his hands and mind busy! He also is part of the Tucson Adult Soccer League, where he plays soccer on friday nights with his friends.
Garret Lovins
Apiary Manager / Handyman
Garret Lovins
Apiary Manager / Handyman
Garret Lovins
Apiary Manager / Handyman
Garret Lovins is our Apiary Manager. He is tasked with making sure our bees are alive and healthy. That isn't all he does, though. If something comes up and needs to get taken care of, he is the go-to guy. He previously worked as a plumber/welder in a Union and worked all across the state. His knowledge in construction, and ability to build whatever we need allows him to keep our gears turning like a well-oiled machine.
Garret has known the BeeMaster family for a long time. He has been a family friend for as long as we can remember. When Covid put him out of work in the Union, he was able to work for us and he fit right in.
In his free time, Garret likes to go on hikes with his dog Mumble, work on trucks, and draw. If he can help it, one day he will travel to a different dimension and fight in the Time Wars against the rising tide of The Enenakï and Lucifer, using the Relīj Tablets to close the portal from once they came. What a good guy!
Garret Lovins is our Apiary Manager. He is tasked with making sure our bees are alive and healthy. That isn't all he does, though. If something comes up and needs to get taken care of, he is the go-to guy. He previously worked as a plumber/welder in a Union and worked all across the state. His knowledge in construction, and ability to build whatever we need allows him to keep our gears turning like a well-oiled machine.
Garret has known the BeeMaster family for a long time. He has been a family friend for as long as we can remember. When Covid put him out of work in the Union, he was able to work for us and he fit right in.
In his free time, Garret likes to go on hikes with his dog Mumble, work on trucks, and draw. If he can help it, one day he will travel to a different dimension and fight in the Time Wars against the rising tide of The Enenakï and Lucifer, using the Relīj Tablets to close the portal from once they came. What a good guy!
Paul Thoenes
Field Technician
Paul Thoenes
Field Technician
Paul Thoenes
Field Technician
Paul acts as one of our primary field technicians, installing and maintaining our newest technology in partnership with Aculeo. He has driven thousands of miles over the last few years, setting up and maintaining equipment for hundreds of client locations. He constantly strives to improve his efficiency, and has managed to do upwards of 25 installs or checkups in a day!
In his free time, Paul loves traveling the world, spending time with the extended Thoenes family, working on his project car with the guys, and being an all-around lovable goofball.
Paul acts as one of our primary field technicians, installing and maintaining our newest technology in partnership with Aculeo. He has driven thousands of miles over the last few years, setting up and maintaining equipment for hundreds of client locations. He constantly strives to improve his efficiency, and has managed to do upwards of 25 installs or checkups in a day!
In his free time, Paul loves traveling the world, spending time with the extended Thoenes family, working on his project car with the guys, and being an all-around lovable goofball.
Matt Mitchell
Field Tech / Handyman / Tech Assistant
Matt Mitchell
Field Tech / Handyman /
Admin Assitant
Matt Mitchell
Field Tech / Handyman / Tech Assistant
As the newest member of our team, Matt entered the fascinating world of bees and wasps with great enthusiasm. Initially hired as an admin, he developed a passion for field work as he was learning through experience with Dr. Thoenes. As a result, he was primarily trained in that role. Steve taught him all the techniques and strategies of detecting and removing bee and wasp infestations that he has acquired over more than 30 years in the business.
Fully licensed by the state of Arizona for pest control, Matt is one of our primary field technicians and is constantly learning and growing in his role. He loves learning new things and consistently works with integrity – when he does a job, he does it the right way every single time. He also helps out with some tech work and assists Garret in taking care of our bees and maintaining our fleet.
In his spare time, Matt enjoys spending time with his wife and their two cats and two dogs at home, going to see movies, reading, working on projects around the house, and doing repairs or maintenance on his own or his friend’s/family’s cars as a shade-tree mechanic. He also sings with Tucson’s esteemed Desert Voices Chorus and currently serves as their marketing chairperson. He is immensely grateful to be working for a company that cares about its employees and supports them in their roles. He wouldn’t want to work anywhere else!
As the newest member of our team, Matt entered the fascinating world of bees and wasps with great enthusiasm. Initially hired as an admin, he developed a passion for field work as he was learning through experience with Dr. Thoenes. As a result, he was primarily trained in that role. Steve taught him all the techniques and strategies of detecting and removing bee and wasp infestations that he has acquired over more than 30 years in the business.
Fully licensed by the state of Arizona for pest control, Matt is one of our primary field technicians and is constantly learning and growing in his role. He loves learning new things and consistently works with integrity – when he does a job, he does it the right way every single time. He also helps out with some tech work and assists Garret in taking care of our bees and maintaining our fleet.
In his spare time, Matt enjoys spending time with his wife and their two cats and two dogs at home, going to see movies, reading, working on projects around the house, and doing repairs or maintenance on his own or his friend’s/family’s cars as a shade-tree mechanic. He also sings with Tucson’s esteemed Desert Voices Chorus and currently serves as their marketing chairperson. He is immensely grateful to be working for a company that cares about its employees and supports them in their roles. He wouldn’t want to work anywhere else!
As the newest member of our team, Matt entered the fascinating world of bees and wasps with great enthusiasm. Initially hired as an admin, he developed a passion for field work as he was learning through experience with Dr. Thoenes. As a result, he was primarily trained in that role. Steve taught him all the techniques and strategies of detecting and removing bee and wasp infestations that he has acquired over more than 30 years in the business.
Fully licensed by the state of Arizona for pest control, Matt is one of our primary field technicians and is constantly learning and growing in his role. He loves learning new things and consistently works with integrity – when he does a job, he does it the right way every single time. He also helps out with some technological work and assists Garret in taking care of our bees and maintaining our fleet.
In his spare time, Matt enjoys spending time with his wife and their two cats and two dogs at home, going to see movies, reading, working on projects around the house, and doing repairs or maintenance on his own or his friend’s/family’s cars as a shade-tree mechanic. He also sings with Tucson’s esteemed Desert Voices Chorus and currently serves as their marketing chairperson. He is immensely grateful to be working for a company that cares about its employees and supports them in their roles. He wouldn’t want to work anywhere else!
