Why Bees Are Drawn to Outdoor Lights and Fresh Laundry

Freshly washed clothing, especially when hung in bright sunlight, unintentionally sends out signals similar to the ones bees follow when searching for flowers. Bees do not distinguish between real nectar and the fragrances people use in laundry detergents, soaps, or softeners. To them, anything with a bright color and a hint of floral or fruity fragrance is worth investigating.

This is also why bees often fly near outdoor lights. Artificial light can confuse their natural navigation systems, especially in the evening or early morning. A bright porch light or yard lamp may look like daylight to a bee trying to return home, leading it toward the glow rather than the hive.

Why Clean Laundry Smells Like a Flower to a Bee

Many laundry products contain scent profiles inspired by nature. Words like “spring meadow,” “wildflower,” or “citrus blossom” are common on store shelves. While these scents appeal to people, they are also signals bees evolved to notice. Even unscented products may leave behind faint notes that resemble natural aromas.

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