When a bee lands on you, the chance of being stung is low, because a bee sting is almost always a defensive act, not an aggressive one. The insect is not seeking to harm a person and will only use its stinger as a final measure of self-defense. For the majority of bees, particularly the common honey bee, stinging a mammal means certain death, which makes them highly reluctant to deploy the weapon. The bee has landed on you to investigate something it perceives as a resource or a threat, and it will usually fly away if left undisturbed.
The Core Reason Bees Land
A bee landing on human skin or clothing is typically an investigative or foraging behavior, not a precursor to an attack. One common reason is the search for moisture and essential minerals, particularly the salt found in human perspiration. Sweat bees, a family of small bees, are specifically named for this behavior, as they are drawn to the salty residue on the skin.
Sweet scents from personal care products like perfumes, lotions, or hairspray can also inadvertently attract bees. These fragrances often contain floral or fruity notes that mimic the chemical signals given off by actual flowers, confusing the bee into landing for an exploratory visit. Bright colors, especially yellow and white clothing, can sometimes be mistaken for large flowers, prompting the bee to land to investigate a potential nectar source.
Conditions That Trigger a Defensive Sting
The transition from a neutral landing to a defensive sting is triggered by a perceived threat to the bee’s physical safety. The most direct cause is applying pressure, such as accidentally crushing the bee against the skin or stepping on it barefoot. Sudden, erratic movements, like swatting or flailing, are also interpreted as an aggressive attack, causing the bee to sting in self-preservation. The sting is a last resort, especially for the honey bee, whose barbed stinger anchors into the skin of mammals, tearing away from the bee’s body and resulting in its death.
This reluctance to sting contrasts with wasps, such as yellow jackets or hornets, which are often mistaken for bees. Wasps possess a smooth stinger that they can retract and use to sting multiple times without dying, making them more capable of aggressive defense. Wasps are predators that actively scavenge for sugary foods and protein, and they can become territorial. When a honey bee stings, it releases an alarm pheromone that signals other colony members to the threat, which can mobilize a larger defensive response.
Safe Steps When a Bee Lands on You
The primary goal when a bee lands is to avoid triggering its defensive instincts by remaining calm and still. Sudden movements are perceived as a hostile action, which is the main catalyst for a sting. The bee will usually realize the landing spot is not a flower or a resource and will depart on its own within a short time.
If the bee lingers, a gentle, slow puff of air can encourage it to leave without alarm. The bee is accustomed to wind and is less likely to interpret this subtle movement as a threat compared to a hand swat. If the bee is on clothing, it can sometimes be gently brushed off with a soft object, like a leaf, or the back of a finger. This action must be performed with care to avoid crushing the insect. The safest course of action is to move slowly and deliberately away from the area, such as a picnic site or flower patch, which may be attracting the bee.