Selecting hybrid strains that have been bred for gentleness and requeening on a regular schedule will certainly help. If a colony becomes too aggressive, requeening with a new queen will change colony temperament in a month or so. Providing a source of water near the hives will stop a lot of unnecessary complaints. Otherwise, the bees may get their water from the neighbor's swimming pool, dripping water faucet, birdbath, children's wading pool, or hanging wash. Once they have become accustomed to a watering place, they will continue to use it throughout the season.
Most colonies have a basic flight pattern as they leave and return to the hive.
People and animals passing through this flight path are likely to be stung. Bees also spot cars, clothing, and buildings in the vicinity of the hive by releasing their body waste in flight. Spotting from a single colony is generally not serious, but several colonies flying in one direction may make a car or house unsightly in a short time. If possible, do not allow hives to face children's play areas, neighbor's clothes lines, houses, etc. Planting a hedge or building a fence at least 6 feet high will force the bees to fly above head level and thus reduce the chance of stinging.