I suspect that the bees were searching for pollen. Since there is not much pollen available in the spring, the insects will often go to any lengths to gather pollen-like materials--sawdust, livestock feed, etc...they apparently don't have the ability to discriminate what is pollen and what is not? ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Tom Sanford Extension Apiculturist University of Florida Mailing Address: Bldg 970, Hull Rd., Gainesville, FL 32611-0620 Voice phone 904/392-1801, Ext. 143 FAX 904/392-0190 INTERNET: [log in to unmask] BITNET: MTS@IFASGNV +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++