Odd Fall Behavior by our bees

[kewaynco]

We have two hives and have been in beekeeping only two years. We live in Arkansas. This past week, we had two nights with temperatures in the 20s. The past two days have been in the lower seventies with nights in the 50s. We have "winterized" the bees using top feeders as suggested by members of the beekeepers' club we belong to.

This weekend, the bees have been flying crazily all over our yard and around our house - seemingly searching for something as the fly around the windows of our house. I had wanted to do some outdoor work this weekend - stack firewood, lay down mulch. However, I was unable to do so because the bees were aggressively following me all around the yard. They are acting just plain crazy.

I wondered if they were swarming, either our bees or from some other hive in the area, but it seems awfully late in the year for them to do so.

Any ideas or suggestions welcomed. If you need more information, please let me know. Have not been able to get any ideas from our fellow club-members.

[rast]

 Just a thought, you made no mention of mouse guards. Have you opened a hive to see if something else got in there with them?

[BjornBee]

The first day I open feed, I have this same situation. They know there is food somewhere, but just can not pinpoint where. Bees are at the windows, the door, and are attracted to anything with color. but they settle down within a day.

It only takes a few drop of syrup in the yard, or a container to be left out, and the bees will go nuts trying to find it.

I hope you do not have robbing and have reduced your entrances.