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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