Harold Falcon <[log in to unmask]> asked:
 
> ... last year the bees were so gentle that they
> didn't seem to care what I did;  this year I'm being attacked at
> distances of 50 feet or more without provacation. Anyone have
> suggestions why this is happening?  Harold
 
This is an easy one, your gentle queen was superseeded by a naturally
mated queen.  I'd speculate further that your original queen was a
hybrid, bred for gentleness.  First generations from hybrids are
notoriously fierce.  There may be a requeening in your future.
Recommend marked queens so you can be sure if/when your purchased
queens have been replaced.
 
There's lots in the archives regarding ways to requeen fierce hives.
 
Aaron Morris - I think, therefore I bee!