I kept 2 hives for a couple of years. I had no problems. The local beekeeping community where I lived was very helpful in getting me started and one of the keepers let me use his extractors if I'd clean his shop. Worked for me. I never go so accustomed to my bees that I felt comfortable without gloves and hat, but some people have no problem. It's a psychological thing, IMO.

Also, some people don't get bother by the sting. I always get a welt that hurts, but nothing like a wasp or bumblebee sting, which both hurt like hell.

I didn't live in a dense ag area so my honey was always kind of dark -- not the best seller, but I liked it and never sold any.

Don't use pesticides around your home & garden if you want healthy bees.