The presence of bees during outdoor activities often leads to unwanted encounters. Bees are attracted to humans and their environments primarily for two reasons: seeking sweet substances they interpret as nectar, or perceiving a person’s behavior as a threat to their hive. Understanding these attractants and proactively modifying personal cues can significantly reduce the likelihood of attracting these insects.
Modifying Personal Attractants
Scent is a primary way bees locate flowers, and many personal care products inadvertently mimic these floral signals. Strong, sweet, or fruity fragrances in perfumes, colognes, shampoos, and lotions can be mistaken for nectar sources by foraging bees. To avoid this confusion, opt for unscented or mildly scented products when spending time outdoors.
Visual cues also play a role, as a bee’s vision is adapted to find flowers, often involving ultraviolet light, blue, and yellow. Brightly colored clothing, especially yellow, blue, or floral patterns, can attract bees because they resemble blossoms. Selecting light, muted colors like white, beige, or pale green makes a person less visually interesting to a bee searching for a meal.
Dark colors, such as black or dark blue, may be perceived as a potential predator by certain bee species. Additionally, sweat and strong body odor can attract specific bee types, so maintain personal hygiene before outdoor activities. Avoiding shiny accessories and jewelry can also help, as reflective surfaces may catch a bee’s eye.
Securing Food and Drink Environments
Outdoor dining and drinking present a high risk for attracting bees. Bees are particularly drawn to sugary beverages like soda, juice, and iced tea, which mimic the high sugar content of nectar. Always keep all food covered until ready to serve and use containers with tight-fitting lids.
When drinking canned beverages, use a straw or a sealable cup, as a bee can crawl inside an open can unseen. Promptly clean up any food residue or liquid spills, such as sticky drops on a table or ground. Even small amounts of spilled liquid can attract a bee and encourage it to linger in the area.
Trash receptacles containing food scraps or empty beverage containers should be sealed tightly and placed away from gathering areas. Bees will scavenge in open garbage for remaining sugars, and activity near the bin increases the chance of an unwanted encounter. These steps remove the primary incentives for bees to investigate a human gathering.
Safe Conduct During a Close Encounter
When a bee approaches, the most important action is to remain calm and avoid sudden, rapid movements. Swatting or flailing your arms is interpreted as an aggressive threat, which can provoke a defensive stinging response.
If a bee lands on you, gently blow on it or allow it to fly away on its own. Avoid crushing the bee, as this causes it to release an alarm pheromone that signals danger to other bees nearby. This chemical release can quickly recruit additional bees, significantly increasing the risk of multiple stings.
If the bee continues to circle, slowly and calmly walk away from the area to create distance from the perceived threat. Covering your face and mouth with your hands or clothing offers protection while you move away. Prioritizing slow, deliberate movements maintains a non-threatening posture and minimizes the chance of escalating the interaction.