According to observations and anecdotal evidence provided in the reference, bees tend to become agitated or "angry" when they encounter dark colors, particularly dark brown or black.
Why Dark Colors Can Agitate Bees
Based on the provided information, the reason dark colors trigger an aggressive response in bees is quite primal:
- Bear Association: Dark brown or black is perceived by bees as resembling a bear. Since bears are natural predators of honeybee colonies, seeking to raid hives for honey and larvae, bees have evolved a defensive reaction to such appearances. This resemblance triggers an immediate defensive, agitated state.
- Observed Reactions: Personal accounts, such as the one shared in the reference, highlight this behavior. The beekeeper noted that stings occurred when family members wore dark colors. A specific example given is a sting on the cheek while wearing a dark-colored sun bonnet.
Therefore, while bees are generally attracted to bright, vibrant colors associated with flowers (like blues, purples, and whites), they show a strong aversion to deep, dark hues like dark brown and black.
To minimize the risk of agitating bees, especially around hives or areas with significant bee activity, it is advisable to avoid wearing dark clothing.
