When a bee lands on you, it can be a momentarily startling experience. Despite this initial surprise, it is important to remember that such an encounter is typically not a cause for immediate alarm. Bees are generally not aggressive insects and their primary focus is on foraging for nectar and pollen or collecting water. They rarely sting unless they feel directly threatened or their hive is disturbed.
Why Bees Approach
Bees often land on people for reasons other than aggression. They may seek water, particularly drawn to perspiration on skin during warm weather, which provides a readily available moisture source for their colony.
Strong scents from perfumes, colognes, or food aromas can attract bees. Brightly colored clothing patterns might also be mistaken for flowers, prompting investigation. Sometimes, a bee is simply tired or disoriented and lands for a brief rest.
Your Next Actions
The most important action when a bee lands on you is to remain calm and avoid sudden movements. Panicking or swatting can be perceived as a threat, potentially provoking a defensive sting. Instead, keep still and allow the bee to explore or rest.
Often, the bee will fly off on its own once it realizes you are not a flower or water source. To encourage departure, gently blow on it with a slow, steady breath, or carefully brush it off with a soft object, avoiding crushing it. If in an area with many bees, slowly move away to reduce further interactions.
If a Sting Happens
If a bee sting occurs, quickly remove the stinger if present. Only honey bees leave their barbed stinger, which contains a venom sac, embedded in the skin. Scrape it out with a fingernail or credit card edge, rather than pinching, to avoid releasing more venom.
After stinger removal, clean the area thoroughly with soap and water to prevent infection. Apply an ice pack or cold compress to reduce swelling and discomfort. Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen, or antihistamines can also alleviate pain and itching.
Monitor for signs of severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis), including difficulty breathing, facial or throat swelling, dizziness, or widespread hives. If these symptoms appear, seek immediate medical attention. Multiple stings, even without an allergic reaction, also warrant medical evaluation due to increased venom load.
Bee or Something Else?
It is helpful to distinguish between bees and other stinging insects like wasps or hornets, as their behaviors and sting characteristics differ. Bees, such as honey bees and bumble bees, typically have fuzzy bodies and forage on flowers. Wasps and hornets, by contrast, have smoother, shinier bodies with a more defined “waist.”
Bees primarily sting in defense. Wasps and hornets can be more aggressive, especially when their nests are disturbed or they are attracted to food. A key distinction is that honey bees sting only once, as their barbed stinger remains in the skin, while wasps and hornets can sting multiple times.