Randy 
 
I don't see this as an either/or issue. 

Yes, bees see us, and they also smell smoke, and they prepare to leave if necessary.   And they will respond to smoke from a forest fire even when there's not a beekeeper to observe them.

But they also perceive alarm pheromone, and at levels far below levels perceivable by the human nose.  Our work shows bees can instantaneously detect many chemicals at parts per quadrillion - and these weren't even bee pheromones.  I've found that a little smoke in a freshly washed bee suit to be a good thing, seems to reduce aggressive responses.  No reason why one should think that smoke might not mask alarm pheromone to some degree.

My guess, it doesn't do any good to try to sting smoke, the selective pressure would be on bees that take steps to prepare to evacuate if necessary.  On the other hand, a bear tearing into the hive, best to sting and encourage a group offensive.

Unfortunately, from the bees perspective, the beekeeper is 'attacking the hive' like a bear, but smells like the threat of a fire.

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