Not recommending this. However as a kid in the 1960(s) I work with one hive to desensitize, make friendly, the bees. I could actually pet the guard bees, yes sir, I could touch the bees. I would go as far as to catch drones with my bare hands as the drones approach the entrance. Yes, I had to move my hands fast, right in front of the entrance full of guard bees, but like I said, I spent a lot of time with the bees desensitizing them. BTW, drones don?t have a stinger.
In no way would I recommend above. I just want you to understand bees can learn, most strains anyway, not the African though. To this day, I have a chair less than 24 inches from my favorite hive that I just sit and watch my bees on most days. Every day, I walk my hives, gentleness is demanded by me or some hive is going to get requeened.
Blessingss