Hi Ellen. I, too had a similar problem with the Buckfasts. I've kept them for several years and found them to be very prolific and productive---for the first generation. Thereafter they presented the problems you describe. Mine got very mean. Reluctantly, I switched back to gentle Italians. They don't build up as fast and don't produce as outstanding a brood pattern, and don't produce as much honey but I have happier neighbors and fewer stings! My two hives are in downtown Seattle. Wes Uhlman