Hi, Grant!

Where is the hive located (city, state)?  That might help focus suggestions.

Have you checked on possible insecticide contamination inside the building?  Talk to the staff to see if there is a regular visit from a pest control or exterminator service; I once lived in an apartment building that had monthly bug spraying inside each apartment.  If the facility has treatments for cockroaches, termites, or carpenter ants, the spray may be affecting the bees.

Also check if they are using some sort of ultrasonic vermin control system.  I don't know if it affects bees, but I get dizzy and disoriented in stores that use such a system.

See if they are cleaning the glass on the hive with a strong chemical like ammonia, or are using chemicals in the room the hive is in (preservatives, moth crystals, etc. for taxidermy specimens).

And check for air quality - is the hive near a loading dock where trucks sit and idle, where exhaust fumes can linger?

Another thing to check for might be spraying around outside the building for insect control or ChemLawn treatments.

Good luck!

Very best regards,

-Gary P. (in rural northern Illinois near Marengo, between Elgin and Rockford IL)

Gary Plazyk, [log in to unmask]
Fuzzy Bear Farm
http://profiles.yahoo.com/g_plazyk
http://www.BearCreekMusic.us
http://www.KishwaukeeRamblers.com
http://www.RavenswoodMorris.org

"Music is too important to leave to the professionals." -Robert Shaw

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