Bees, fundamental to ecosystem health as pollinators, are naturally drawn to specific environmental cues. Their interactions with humans are often a result of these insects seeking resources for survival. While bees generally focus on floral sources, certain human characteristics or behaviors can inadvertently mimic these natural attractants. Understanding these factors explains why bees might approach people.
The Allure of Scent
Bees possess a highly developed sense of smell, relying on it to locate flowers and communicate within their colonies. Their antennae are equipped with numerous specialized receptors, enabling them to detect a wide array of odors from significant distances. Many human-applied products, such as perfumes, colognes, scented lotions, and hair products, contain floral essences like jasmine, rose, or lavender, which closely mimic the natural aromas of flowers. These scents can signal a potential food source, drawing a bee’s curiosity.
Beyond artificial fragrances, natural human odors can also attract bees. Sweat contains salts that are appealing to certain bee species, particularly “sweat bees” (Halictidae family). Human breath, rich in carbon dioxide and certain volatile organic compounds, can also trigger a bee’s defensive behaviors, as rapid changes in CO2 levels can be interpreted as a disturbance or threat to a hive. Strong smells from foods like garlic or onions, or even the scent of bananas, which resembles a bee’s alarm pheromone, can elicit a response from them.
Visual Signals
Bees perceive colors differently from humans, influencing their attraction to visual cues. Their vision extends into the ultraviolet (UV) spectrum, a range invisible to the human eye. Bees are trichromatic, much like humans, but their primary color perception is based on ultraviolet, blue, and green light, rather than human perception of red, blue, and green. They cannot see the color red, which appears black to them.
This unique color perception means bees are particularly drawn to certain hues common in flowers, such as purple, blue, violet, white, and yellow. Bright or contrasting clothing colors can resemble large floral targets. Flowers often display UV patterns that act as “nectar guides” or “bull’s-eye” patterns, leading bees to pollen and nectar, and similar patterns in human attire might inadvertently attract them. Sudden or erratic movements can be perceived as a threat, prompting a bee to investigate or defend itself.
Sweet Temptations
Bees are constantly foraging for nectar, their primary energy source, which is a sugar-rich liquid produced by plants. Open sugary beverages like sodas, fruit juices, or sweet tea directly mimic the sugar content of nectar. These items are highly appealing to foraging bees.
During periods when natural floral nectar sources are scarce, often referred to as a “summer dearth,” bees may seek alternative sugar sources. Discarded sugary drinks or spilled sweet foods represent an accessible “jackpot” for them. Bees will readily collect sugar water and similar solutions, transporting them back to the hive. The presence of these sweet substances can attract multiple bees.