Been lit up only twice in 3 years of mowing around the hives.
Once when using the neighbors ride on mower, different engine I am sure, as a week before was no issue on my mower. Man they really got me that day, about 20-30 tags before I got wise and bailed off the running mower as it wasn't moving quick enough.
I start mowing a fair distance away, then move closer and watch the mood. I do a big circuit around the area so they used to the noise.
Once in awhile the one hive sends out some scouts ( and it's always the same hive) , and I just know to keep moving away and give them a miss that week. Never wear a suit either.