Feeding sugar water is fine ~ if you plan to do that know that honeybees need a more concentrated mix than humming birds do. Spring feeding is usually 1 part sugar to 1 part water or 1 part sugar to 2 parts water while fall mix is very heavy at 2 parts sugar to 1 part water. Use only 100%...
The bees are actually looking for the protein in the pellets (probably soy) which they need to raise their brood. They usually get protein from pollen.