>I am not sure what kind of bees you have there but in my neck of the
>woods if you get close to hives in the heat of the summer ... well you are
>asking for trouble. Of course you can get close if you get used to the idea
>and *behave* properly. But still there is a chance that you will be attacked.
>Now operating inside the hive is another story though. I would never
>dream of doing that unless I am fully clothed. And that is how it has worked
>out for others around here.
>
>Removing supers,frames and honey that is the job of warriors in full
>battle gear. And if you accidentally kill a couple, then you are really asking
 f
>or
>en masse (sp?) attack.  For some reason the buzzing noise made by bees
>being killed or the smell of those squashed trigger the red alarm.
>
>NOTE: I have been around bees for as long as I  can remember and these
>are my experiences NOT my FEARS!! I get stung many times in a year but I
>am not asking for trouble.
>
>Any suggestions in improving this condition will be appreciated.
>
>Andreas
 
Gee, my experiences are quite different! A clear, hot, calm sunny day in the
middle of summer, particularly if there is a decent honeyflow occuring - those
are the conditions I found ideal to take honey off and do other hive
manipulations. Most of the foragers are too busy to be concerned about
intrusions. Very often after beginning cautiously with veil and gloves, I would
discard both and work just in long pants and a t-shirt. That is not to say I was
never stung - but I rarely felt I needed to be a 'warrior in full battle gear'.
 
Perhaps you should consider requeening with gentler stock.
 
           [log in to unmask]             John