Sweat bees are small insects found worldwide, except Antarctica. These bees often display a range of appearances, from dark brown or black to striking metallic green, blue, or purple hues. Humans frequently encounter these metallic-colored bees due to their attraction to human perspiration.
The Allure of Sweat: Why They Land
Sweat bees are attracted to human skin because they seek salts and minerals in perspiration, particularly sodium. These minerals supplement their diet of pollen and nectar. Female sweat bees especially require these minerals for their biological processes. This behavior is not driven by aggression but by a nutritional need. Their attraction increases in warmer weather, when sweat provides a readily available source of these salts.
What They Do on Your Skin
When a sweat bee lands on your skin, it laps up sweat using its short tongue, collecting the salts and moisture it needs. These bees are not aggressive.
A sting from a sweat bee is uncommon and typically occurs only if the bee feels threatened, such as when it is trapped against the skin, crushed, or accidentally swatted. The sting of a sweat bee is mild compared to that of a honey bee or wasp. Many describe the sensation as similar to a pinprick or a light pinch, often rated low on pain scales, such as a 1.0 on the Schmidt Sting Pain Index. While it may cause minor irritation, localized redness, or slight swelling, it is rarely severe for individuals without allergies.
Handling a Sweat Bee Encounter
If a sweat bee lands on you, the best approach is to remain calm and avoid sudden movements. Panicking or swatting at the bee can cause it to feel threatened, increasing the likelihood of a sting. Instead, you can gently brush the bee off your skin or simply wait for it to collect enough sweat and fly away on its own.
Should a sting occur, it is advisable to clean the affected area immediately with soap and water to prevent infection. Applying a cold compress to the sting site can help reduce any pain or swelling. Over-the-counter pain relievers, antihistamines, or hydrocortisone cream can also be used to alleviate discomfort, itching, or inflammation.