Apiary Etiquette - Rule 10
Don't open the hives unless you need to
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Each time you open the hive, you decrease the colony's productivity by: 1) causing the bees to consume some of their honey stores; 2) interrupting the queen's egg-laying activity; 3) retarding progress of nectar and pollen storage; and 4) changing the odor of the hive with smoke, which interferes with the queen's control of the hive with pheromones.  In addition, by opening the hive too often, you risk damaging or killing the queen, and you make the bees more aggressive.  Overworking a hive can truly hurt a colony.  Make sure you have a good reason to open the hive before you go to all that trouble.

Apiary Etiquette
Opening and Inspecting the Hive
Periodic Apiary Inspections
Reasons for Opening the Hive

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