Bees hate my Hubby

[tbonekel]

i had to quit wearing an old straw cowboy hat, i'd get nailed everytime i wore the thing.  had a neighbor who sported a brand new stetson straw hat, and everytime he came over and we were in the garden my bees would not leave him alone until he took the hat off......

not a scientific experiment but........makes you wonder!

That may be what was going on with me on Saturday. I was planting a couple of plum trees and was about 15-20 away from the hives and there was one bee who was incredibly annoying! It was constantly flying around my head. I did have an old straw hat on and that might be what was doing it. There was even a few times that I tried to kill it with my gloved hand and she was too fast. Anyway, if that happens again, I may try to work without that hat and see what happens. Darn, I like that hat too!

[blueblood]

I wonder about their sense of odor.  Prior to keeping bees, I really never had a honeybee come up and literally check me out.  I have bees come up to me daily now.  I am out of my patrol car often through out the city and it's not just one spot.  I eat honey heavily, use beeswax lip balm, have propolis and wax and hive on my nails I am sure.  But, I have never had aggression unless I am absolutely in the top of their hive or in a flight pattern within the distance you are describing.

[brooksbeefarm]

I have some hives close to my truck garden and when i'm working in it and sweating i'll have bees on my arms licking sweat. Moving my arms with the hoe or tying up tomato's don't seem to bother them and they have never stung me. I guess i'm sweeter than the plants around. Jack

[LazyBkpr]

    I cant wear my hat to look at the bees, and I also noticed that wearing my watch with a leather wristband always got me stung near the area. Salt? Sweat?
   I am not overly fond of getting stung, but I do not fear it or try to avoid it. A sting now and then is a good thing. I shower, use a mild deodorant, make sure I wear a clean hat. I gave up on the watch some time ago.. since then we get along fine.  My baseball style hats are black or camouflage, but I usually wear white T shirt.
   I have a beard spring and fall, a goatee through the summer. Hasn't seemed to make a difference in how they react. Maybe its because of the gray?

   My bees are like my wife. Reverse psychology works. When I want to get a sting or two they usually ignore me completely.

[Novice]

has the baseball cap ever been washed and what color is it?   

Riverbee, you may be on to something! His cap is almost as old as our marriage! We've done the light clothing, but never thought about that ragged old baseball cap! We will purchase a new hat and see if that solves the problem!

[riverbee]

"Riverbee, you may be on to something! His cap is almost as old as our marriage! We've done the light clothing, but never thought about that ragged old baseball cap! We will purchase a new hat and see if that solves the problem!"

..........   what is it with guys and ragged baseball caps?, oh well, works for me.......i hope for him it is a simple as that!
let us know if the cap change made any difference...

[Papakeith]

I doubt it is his size or the beard.  I'm 6'3"  and 330  with a full beard.  My bees love me!   

[Barbarian]

It could be some specific chemical with hubby.

Some thoughts ---- spicy food, booze, particular cheese, medication, diabetes (ketones).