Bees might follow you because you possess characteristics that attract them, often related to looking or smelling like a flower.
Bees are primarily motivated by finding nectar and pollen to sustain their colony. Their senses are highly tuned to identify flowering plants, which are their primary food source. When a bee seems to be following you, it's usually not out of aggression but rather curiosity or mistaken identity, triggered by cues that mimic those of a flower.
What Attracts Bees to People?
According to research and common understanding, bees are attracted to certain scents and visual stimuli. If you inadvertently resemble a flower, you're more likely to capture a bee's attention.
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Scents: Bees have a strong sense of smell and are drawn to floral fragrances. This includes natural scents from flowers but can also include artificial fragrances found in:
- Sunscreen
- Shampoos and Conditioners
- Perfumes
- Aftershaves
- Other scented personal care products
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Visual Cues: Bees can also be attracted by the appearance of colors, patterns, and shininess that they associate with flowers or attractive foraging spots:
- Flowery Prints: Clothing with floral patterns can resemble the visual cues of a flower patch.
- Shiny Items: Shiny jewelry or buckles might catch the light in a way that mimics dew or nectar droplets, or simply stand out in a way that piques a bee's interest.
Think of it from a bee's perspective: they are constantly searching for food. If you look or smell like a promising source, they may investigate further, which can result in them flying near or even following you for a short distance until they realize you are not a flower.
Practical Considerations
This is why beekeepers often wear plain white clothing and avoid accessories when working with bees. White is generally considered a less attractive color to bees compared to dark colors or vibrant patterns, and minimizing scents and shiny objects helps reduce the chances of attracting unwanted attention or appearing as a potential threat or food source.
Understanding that a bee following you is likely an act of investigation based on attraction, rather than aggression, can help you remain calm if one approaches.
