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