Finding a bee persistently buzzing around you can be unsettling. While these encounters may cause alarm, bees are generally not aggressive and sting only when threatened or their nest is disturbed. Understanding their behavior can help alleviate concerns and promote peaceful coexistence with these important pollinators.
Common Reasons for Bee Encounters
Bees may appear to “follow” a person for several reasons, often related to their natural foraging instincts. Sweet scents, such as those from perfumes, colognes, scented lotions, or even sugary drinks and food, can attract bees seeking nectar or other sweet resources. Bees possess a highly developed sense of smell, enabling them to detect these attractants from a distance. Bright colors and floral patterns in clothing can also draw their attention, as bees associate these visuals with flowers that provide pollen and nectar.
Sudden movements can sometimes be perceived as a threat by bees, causing them to investigate or react defensively. Some bees are simply curious, investigating potential new sources of food or moisture. For instance, certain types of bees are attracted to human perspiration for its salt content, leading them to land on skin. In most cases, if a bee is approaching, it is likely on an investigatory mission rather than an aggressive one.
Distinguishing Different Bees
Understanding the various types of bees and their typical behaviors can clarify why one might be encountering them. Honey bees are often foragers drawn to sweet smells and are generally not aggressive unless their hive is directly threatened. Bumblebees, recognizable by their large, furry bodies, are typically docile and primarily interested in flowers, stinging only if provoked or if their nest is disturbed.
Smaller sweat bees, belonging to the Halictidae family, are attracted to the salts in human perspiration and may land on skin; they usually only sting if they are swatted or trapped. Carpenter bees are large bees that often hover near wooden structures. Male carpenter bees are territorial and may appear intimidating with their “dive-bombing” behavior, but they lack a stinger. Female carpenter bees can sting but only do so if highly provoked.
It is also important to differentiate bees from wasps, such as yellowjackets and hornets, which are often mistaken for bees. Wasps tend to be more aggressive, can sting multiple times, and are attracted to human food and sugary drinks, particularly later in the summer. Unlike bees, wasps are generally less hairy and have a more slender body.
Immediate Actions When Followed
If a bee is following you, remaining calm is the most effective response. Avoid swatting or flailing your arms, as this can provoke the bee and increase the likelihood of a sting. Instead, move slowly and deliberately away, preferably towards an enclosed shelter like a building or vehicle.
If a bee lands on you, remain still until it flies away, or gently brush it off. Do not attempt to kill the bee, as crushing it can release an alarm pheromone that may attract more bees from a nearby colony. Running in a straight line towards shelter is recommended if multiple bees are involved.
Strategies to Avoid Future Encounters
To minimize future bee encounters, consider adjusting personal habits and surroundings. Avoiding strong perfumes, colognes, and scented lotions can reduce attraction, as bees are drawn to sweet and floral fragrances. Wearing light-colored, smooth-textured clothing is also beneficial, as bees are less attracted to these colors compared to dark or brightly patterned fabrics.
When outdoors, keep food and sugary drinks covered and clean up spills promptly. Bees are attracted to these sweet sources, especially during late summer when natural food sources may become scarcer. Be mindful of flowering plants or fruit trees, as these are natural foraging areas for bees. Regularly check for bee nests or hives near your home, especially in ground cavities, wall voids, or tree hollows, and contact a professional if removal is needed. Using natural repellents like mint, citronella, cloves, or cucumber peels around outdoor areas can also deter bees.