Sweat bees, small insects belonging to the family Halictidae, are a common sight. They are frequently encountered because of their peculiar habit of landing on human skin. This interaction is the reason they earned their distinctive name. They are drawn to the human body in search of specific resources found in perspiration.
The Science Behind Their Attraction
Sweat bees are primarily attracted to human sweat because it provides them with essential salts and minerals. While their main diet consists of nectar for energy and pollen as a protein source for their offspring, they need to supplement these with other nutrients. Sweat contains not only salt but also moisture, amino acids, and proteins, all of which are valuable to these bees. This need is particularly pronounced in female sweat bees, who require these additional nutrients for egg development.
They seek out these supplemental resources wherever they can find them. They are considered generalist foragers, meaning they do not limit themselves to specific plant types for their sustenance. This opportunistic feeding behavior extends to human perspiration, making people an unexpected, yet viable, source of necessary electrolytes.
Are Sweat Bees Dangerous?
Sweat bees are generally not aggressive insects. They sting only when physically threatened or provoked, such as when accidentally squished, swatted, or if their nest is disturbed.
The sting of a sweat bee is usually mild and not severe for most individuals. Male sweat bees are incapable of stinging. On the Schmidt Sting Pain Index, which ranks the relative pain of insect stings, the sweat bee sting is rated at a low level 1. This sensation is often described as “light, ephemeral, almost fruity,” similar to a tiny spark singeing a hair. A sting from a sweat bee is only a concern for individuals who have a severe allergy to bee venom.
Simple Ways to Deter Sweat Bees
To minimize encounters with sweat bees, several steps can be taken. One effective method is to wash off sweat and change into clean clothes, as the scent and residue of perspiration attract them. Limiting exposed skin by wearing long sleeves and pants can also reduce the area available for bees to land.
Avoiding certain scents is also helpful, as sweat bees can be drawn to floral perfumes or heavily scented lotions. If a sweat bee lands on you, it is best to remain calm and gently brush it away rather than swatting, which can provoke a sting. Moving indoors when you are heavily sweating can also prevent them from bothering you.
Natural deterrents can also keep sweat bees at bay. Some find success with sprays containing vinegar or essential oils like peppermint, eucalyptus, or citronella. Placing fans outdoors can create air movement that makes it difficult for these small bees to fly and land on people. Additionally, maintaining covered ground with plants or mulch in outdoor areas can discourage sweat bees from nesting nearby.