You may recall that I had to requeen Knives’ hive in early spring. I was unable to get a BeeWeaver queen that early so my beekeeping friend Jim Hogg got a bunch from his friend who breeds his own. He uses Minnesota Hygienic Queens which he then breeds with his own stock. I’m not sure what the final combination ends up being, but these are the most gentle bees I have ever seen. I could probably inspect their hive in a smoking bear suit, and they would still just go about their business. However their gentleness is outmatched by their propolis production. These bees glue down everything. And then they glue it down again to be extra sure.
I tried to take some pictures, but they really don’t do the girls justice.
So while inspecting this hive is a bit sticky, I’ll take the mild inconvenience over hot bees. I’ve also found that I hardly see small hive beetles in this hive while Rue’s right next door always has some running around. They probably find it incredibly difficult to find a corner or crack to hide in since everything is gummed up.
Urban Beekeeping in Austin, Texas 
The propolis probably helps keep them super healthy.