Never before today have I seen honey bees swarm in a timer-controlled deer feeder. Anyone else have this experience, and what action did you take? Yes, there is a bee keeper about a mile away. I have never seen honey bees interested in dried corn. They are all over the corn on the ground, too!I

Orange scented corn? Apple scented corn?

1. Fill feeder with frames
2. ????
3. Profit

Cant help you but I think it's a time of year thing. I have one feeder that they're hitting now and they were on the same one, same time, last winter. Guessing their food sources are a little sparse this time of year.

As for taking action, I just figured they wont eat much.

Shoot 'em in the nuts.

This is why I high fence.

Maybe the bees have figured out how to make high fructose corn syrup

This is where Beaver Nuggets come from

Resources are short this time of year. They are stocking up for the winter and there is something in it they like. Few nectar sources, might be short on water resources, Biden election, all of this leads to them swarming things you might not typically find them on.

If they aren't IN your feeder then you're fine. If they are IN your feeder, get them out and fill it with corn. Lol.

They've figured out how to make some 'shine!

Willy Wonka said:

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This is where Beaver Nuggets come from

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User name checks out.

My guess has always been that water has gotten in and soured some corn. Just like bees swarm beer cans left out in the sun.

Empty and clean out the feeder with soap and they should move on.

I have had the same thing going on with bees in the crumble feed in my chicken feeder for about the last month. My understanding is that the bees are looking for a protein source since their usual supplies are not plentiful this time of year. They crawl around in the feed, collecting the dust on them just like pollen in the spring. Then they take it back to the hive. While corn is not a great source of protein (about 10-15%), it is better than nothing this time of year.

The bees will show up in the daytime after the sun warms things up a little, and will shuttle the corn dust back to the hive all day long. They will not be present at night. They go back to the protection of the hive. If you need to work on the feeder or add corn to it, just wait until after dark.

Very interesting replies.

Thanks, and Gig 'em!