When people hang clothes outside, especially on sunny days, insects often take notice.

Among the most surprising visitors are bees—even on freshly washed garments or underwear. While it can be startling, there’s a natural explanation behind this behavior.

What Draws Bees to Clothes?

Bees rely heavily on their sense of smell to find food and communicate with their hive.

Clean laundry, particularly light-colored pieces, can mimic the cues bees associate with flowers or nectar.

Several factors contribute to their interest:

Fragrances from Detergents and Softeners

Many laundry products contain floral or fruity scents.

Bees often mistake these fragrances for blossoms and land on clothes searching for nectar.

When people hang clothes outside, especially on sunny days, insects often take notice.

Among the most surprising visitors are bees—even on freshly washed garments or underwear. While it can be startling, there’s a natural explanation behind this behavior.

What Draws Bees to Clothes?

Bees rely heavily on their sense of smell to find food and communicate with their hive.

Clean laundry, particularly light-colored pieces, can mimic the cues bees associate with flowers or nectar. Several factors contribute to their interest:

Fragrances from Detergents and Softeners

Many laundry products contain floral or fruity scents. Bees often mistake these fragrances for blossoms and land on clothes searching for nectar.