This is my first year of having my own bees, and 6 weeks into it, visiting the hive approx. once a week, I have not been stung yet. I use my veil and smoker every time. I don't use gloves, and often a short-sleeved shirt. They have not even tried to sting me or my clothing (yet). They are generally very calm and docile. Last visit I had to move the entire hive to fix the hive stand (which had begun to settle in one corner), and still no stings. :-D Let's see how long I can keep that up...