> They are not aggressive, but for some reason no matter how hard I try to be gentle and slow in my movements, 2-3 bees will sting my hands within 5 minutes of the hive being open.
How is that different from being aggressive? Generally I gauge the temper of a colony by passing my hand over the cluster. If they lunge or sting, they are labeled "edgy," -- compared to other colonies which can be taken all apart without showing any stinging behavior. Mind you, I have had hives that go ballistic as soon as the cover comes off, now that's another matter. I call those "hot."
PLB
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