j h & e mcadam wrote:
 
> I believe that bees consider any animal of any size a possible hazard to the
> hive in knocking comb or stealing honey (bears, possums) and it is the
> animal scent itself that alerts them.  Sheep and cattle graze around my
> hives but I note they are targeted if the bees become agitated while we are
> working the hives.  I have been told that the smell of horses is enough to
> irritate a hive and never to go from working livestock to a hive (not a
> problem for us) but it may explain why so few farmers here can successfully
> manage hives as a part time occupation.
 
Well, I kept a cow for the first 3 years I worked with bees and often
worked the bees after working with the cow and had no problem.  I was
averaging 3 stings a year back then and working in t-shirt and short
pants most of the time.
I think the key phrase in your response is "if the bees become
agitated..."
I'm talking about when the bees are calm.  Even then, wool is a
problem.  If you don't believe it, tie a clean wool sock around your
wrist and open your most gentle hive.  Be gentle and use smoke and see
for yourself!  But just remember that you do this at your own risk!
 
I also think it's interesting in light of your comment about horses that
a significant amount of wool is used in the construction of horse tack.
I've never worked with horses, so I have no idea if their odor agitates
bees.  I did pick up a swarm from a horse corral this year without
incident though, and the horses were present when I arrived.
 
Michael Reddell
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http://www.hotcity.com/~mwr