>The  beekeeper has docile bees now, but will they stay that way?


Peggy, I have had bees for 4 years now.  We only have one hive at present,
but have had 4 hives in past years.  We live on one acre and the hives are
within inches of our house.  I have been stung while working the bees (in
the hive) without protection.  Other than myself, the neighbors and my
husband have never been stung.  One of my three sons (who spend most of
their time outside in the summer) did get stung when he stepped on a bee in
the lawn while running barefoot.

My advice is, tell your neighbors not to go barefoot, and not to worry.  My
sons are VERY active and other than that one incident - have not been stung.
Honeybees are non-aggressive (I know nothing about African bees).  If a bee
lands on you, don't swat it.  They are sometimes attracted by perfumes, but
once they realize you are not edible, they will fly off on their own.

Also, if you have flowers or a garden-expect wonderful production & thank
the bees!  Linda