Many people have experienced a buzzing insect seeming to “chase” them, often leading to a natural fear or confusion. This common perception frequently stems from a misunderstanding of insect behavior, particularly that of bees. Bees are not aggressive by nature; their primary focus involves activities vital for their colony’s survival. Stinging for a bee, especially a honey bee, is a last resort, as it often results in the bee’s death. Understanding bee interactions can help clarify why these insects might approach humans, and how to react appropriately.
Why Bees Approach People
Bees are often not intentionally “chasing” individuals but are instead engaged in foraging or investigating their surroundings. Their purpose is to collect nectar and pollen, essential for their colony’s sustenance. Bees use their keen sense of smell and sight to locate flowering plants.
Certain human-related elements can inadvertently mimic the signals bees seek. Sweet scents from perfumes, lotions, hair products, or fruity drinks can attract bees, as these aromas resemble flower nectar. Some bee species, like sweat bees, are drawn to human perspiration, seeking salts and minerals. Bright colors or patterns on clothing, particularly shades of blue, purple, and yellow, can also be appealing because these colors are common in pollinated flowers.
Common Triggers for Defensive Behavior
Bees become defensive when they perceive a direct threat to their hive, queen, or collected food resources. This defensive action is a survival instinct for the colony. Guard bees are responsible for identifying and responding to dangers near the hive entrance.
Sudden, erratic movements can be misinterpreted as aggressive actions, prompting a defensive response. Loud noises or vibrations, such as from lawnmowers, can also agitate bees and trigger their protective instincts. Approaching too closely to a bee nest or hive is a common trigger, as bees will defend their home. Wearing dark, fuzzy clothing might also be perceived as a threat, resembling a predator.
Strong scents can provoke bees. While floral scents might attract them, other odors, like human sweat or specific chemical fragrances, can agitate them. If a bee stings, it releases an alarm pheromone, which alerts other bees and increases their defensiveness.
Distinguishing Bees from Other Insects
Many encounters described as being “chased” by bees actually involve other stinging insects, such as wasps or hornets, or harmless mimics like hoverflies. Distinguishing between these insects is important for understanding their behavior.
Bees, including honey bees and bumble bees, have stout, rounded bodies covered in fuzzy hair, which helps them collect pollen. Honey bees often display amber and black stripes, while bumble bees are hairy with yellow and black patterns.
Wasps, like yellowjackets and hornets, have sleeker, more slender bodies with a distinct “wasp waist” and appear smooth and shiny with minimal hair. Their coloration is often vibrant, sharply contrasted yellow and black. Unlike most bees, many wasp species can sting multiple times without dying. Hornets, a type of large wasp, are more aggressive than most bee species, especially when their nest is threatened. Hoverflies are harmless insects that visually mimic bees or wasps to deter predators but do not possess a stinger.
What to Do During an Encounter
When a bee or other stinging insect approaches, maintaining a calm demeanor is important. Panicking or making sudden, sweeping movements, such as swatting, can provoke the insect and increase the likelihood of a sting. Instead, slowly and calmly walk away from the area.
If multiple insects are present or if a bee stings, cover your mouth and nose and quickly move to an enclosed shelter, such as a building or vehicle. This minimizes exposure to alarm pheromones that may be released, which could attract more bees.
If a sting occurs, remove the stinger as quickly as possible, ideally by scraping it off with a fingernail or a credit card, rather than pinching it, to avoid releasing more venom. Clean the area with soap and water, and apply a cold compress to reduce pain and swelling. For individuals with known severe allergies, immediate use of an epinephrine auto-injector (e.g., EpiPen) is necessary, followed by emergency medical attention.