Many beekeepers notice that some days their colonies seem unusually defensive, even when conditions appear normal. One often-overlooked factor is scent—specifically pheromones left behind on clothing. This leads to a common and important question: does washing remove pheromones that attract bees? The short answer is yes—but how and how well depends on how your beekeepers suit is cleaned and maintained. (1)
At Safta Bee, we manufacture beekeeping suits, gloves, and other protective clothing, and we also provide beekeeping services and products. Through experience in the field, we’ve seen how cleanliness plays a major role in beekeeper safety and comfort.
What Are Bee Pheromones?
Bees communicate through pheromones. Alarm pheromones, released when a bee stings or feels threatened, signal other bees to defend the hive. These chemical signals can cling to fabric fibers, especially in areas where stings commonly occur, such as the arms, gloves, and chest of a beekeepers suit. (2)
If not removed, lingering pheromones can make bees more reactive during future inspections—even before the hive is opened.
Does Washing Actually Remove Them?
Yes, washing can remove pheromones, but effectiveness depends on a few key factors:
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Water temperature: Warm water is more effective than cold
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Detergent: Mild, unscented detergents work best
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Thorough rinsing: Ensures pheromones aren’t left behind
A properly washed beekeepers suit is far less likely to carry alarm scents that trigger defensive behavior. (3)
What to Avoid When Washing
While washing is essential, some habits can make things worse:
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Strongly scented detergents or fabric softeners
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Perfumed soaps or conditioners
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Infrequent washing after stings
Added fragrances may replace alarm pheromones with smells that bees find unfamiliar or threatening. Keeping your beekeepers suit neutral in scent is just as important as keeping it clean. (4)
How Often Should You Wash Your Suit?
As a general rule:
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Wash after any session with multiple stings
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Wash more frequently during aggressive seasons
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Always wash gloves, as they absorb the most pheromones
Regular cleaning keeps your beekeepers suit from becoming a chemical warning flag to your colonies. (5)
Safta Bee’s Approach to Clean, Protective Gear
At Safta Bee, we design our protective clothing with durability and washability in mind. Our fabrics are selected to withstand repeated washing without losing structure, breathability, or sting resistance. A well-maintained beekeepers suit should protect not only from stings, but also from the invisible triggers that cause them. (6)
Final Thoughts
So, does washing remove pheromones that attract bees?
Absolutely—when done correctly.
Clean clothing helps keep bees calmer, inspections smoother, and beekeeping more enjoyable. Combined with high-quality protective gear, proper washing is one of the simplest and most effective ways to reduce unnecessary stings.
At Safta Bee, we believe protection isn’t just about fabric—it’s about understanding bees, behavior, and the small details that make a big difference in the apiary. ????