When bees show interest, it’s often due to specific scientific reasons related to human characteristics or situations. Understanding these factors can clarify such encounters.
Common Attractors
Bees are drawn to sensory cues, especially those associated with food. Sweet scents are a primary attractant; perfumes, colognes, hairsprays, lotions, and even natural body odors can mimic floral fragrances. These products contain compounds bees associate with nectar and pollen.
Clothing colors also attract bees, as their vision differs from human sight. Bees perceive ultraviolet light, blue, green, and yellow hues, common in flowers. Bright clothing, especially in these shades, can appear similar to a flower. Conversely, bees may perceive dark colors, including red, as threats.
Sweet foods and sugary drinks are strong attractants. Open containers of sodas, juices, or exposed sweet foods like fruits and desserts quickly draw bees. Bees seek high sugar content, and these human foods provide an accessible alternative.
Sweat and body odor can attract certain bee species. “Sweat bees” (family Halictidae) are drawn to human perspiration for salts and moisture, a necessary dietary supplement. Sudden, jerky movements, while not an attractant, can be perceived as a threat, leading bees to investigate or defend themselves.
Understanding Different Stinging Insects
Many mistake wasps and hornets for bees, but these insects have distinct characteristics and behaviors. Bees, like honey bees and bumble bees, have rounder, hairier bodies with less pronounced waistlines, appearing fuzzy. Honey bees are brownish or golden, while bumble bees are larger with dense black and yellow hairs. They primarily feed on nectar and pollen, making them important pollinators. Bees are generally less aggressive, stinging only when their hive is threatened or they are provoked.
Wasps and hornets have smoother, less hairy bodies with a defined, narrow waist. Their coloration is often a brighter, distinct yellow and black. Unlike bees, wasps and hornets can sting multiple times.
Wasps, especially yellow jackets, are opportunistic scavengers attracted to human food like meats and sugary items, particularly later in summer. Hornets, while predatory, generally do not approach humans as often. These differences help identify the insect and its attraction.
How to Reduce Bee Encounters
To minimize bee encounters, manage scents by avoiding strong perfumes, colognes, and highly scented lotions or hair products. These fragrances mimic floral scents, making you less appealing. Choose neutral or muted clothing tones like white, light brown, or beige, as bright colors such as blue, purple, and yellow are more attractive.
When outdoors, take precautions with food and drinks. Keep all food and beverages covered, especially sugary items, and promptly clean up spills to reduce their appeal. If a bee approaches, remain calm and avoid sudden movements like swatting, which can provoke a defensive response. Slowly move away from the area instead.
General outdoor safety tips also reduce encounters. Wear closed-toe shoes to prevent accidental stings. Check drinks before sipping, especially from cans or opaque cups, to avoid trapping a bee. Certain strong scents, such as mint, eucalyptus, garlic, or cinnamon, can also deter bees.