Smoke is a valuable tool in keeping bees on a larger scale as is protective equipment.

Bees have a long memory and can be made aggresive by repeated working without smoke and as RIP said mashing bees.

Using protection over a long day most still get a few stings.

Allen speaks from experience. Trying to light a smoker or get a veil on while under attack is not fun.

Profesional beekeepers usually know when to be cautious around hives but as Allan said there is always the time you guess wrong.

I would also say most commercial beekeepers keep hives with higher populations of bees in yards of higher numbers.
Usually open all hives when in.the yard.

I mentor newbees the yard should be considered as one large hive instead of 24/40 single hives.

Competition between hives is both good and bad at the same time.

The hives are quick to rob (at times)  and disease &pest problems can spread quickly.

Bob H.



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