Why Are Bees Inviting Themselves to My Family Barbecue?

Why is it that every time you break out the grill for a family barbecue in September, the bees decide to crash the party?

Why Bees Are Drawn to Certain Foods and Drinks

Photo by James Wainscoat on Unsplash

Do bees like beer and soda? Sort of. Bees can be drawn to the yeasty aromas of beer and the sweet sugars in soda. As they search for nectar, these sugary drinks may catch their attention, leading them to investigate other sweet substances such as syrup, spilled juice, and soda.

Photo by awar kurdish on Unsplash

Just like sugary drinks and syrups, sweet barbecue sauces can also attract bees. Along with beverages, many backyard barbecues feature fresh-cut fruits such as watermelon, pineapple, and berries, which can also catch the attention of bees and bring them to your outdoor gathering.

Read More: What is Causing the Decline of Honey Bees in Michigan?

Why Are Bees Buzzing Around My Barbecue?

Getty Images

As summer comes to an end in Michigan, mosquitoes and flies tend to slow down as temperatures cool, but bees can seem to become more noticeable. Outdoor activities featuring sugary foods and drinks can attract bees, especially as natural nectar sources become less abundant toward the end of the season.

Photo by Ian Shoemaker on Unsplash

MLive reports that bees can become more aggressive in September as their food sources begin to dwindle. With less natural food available, bees may become more defensive and more likely to sting, just as they show up uninvited to your backyard barbecue.

Photo by Bernd 📷 Dittrich on Unsplash

To reduce the number of bees buzzing around your food during a backyard barbecue, keep dishes and fruit covered whenever possible. If the bees become too persistent, consider moving the gathering to a screened-in area or taking the party indoors.

Get our free mobile app

You may want to keep your drinks covered whenever you’re not sipping them. The last thing you want is to take a big gulp of soda and discover a couple of uninvited guests, especially if they decide to sting your tongue!

👇BELOW: This Might Be Why Bees Love You So Much During the Summer👇