Bees sometimes land on freshly washed clothes, even underwear, which can be surprising. This happens because “bees rely heavily on their sense of smell to locate food and communicate with their hive.”

Clean laundry, especially light-colored items, can emit scents that mimic flowers or nectar. “Detergents and fabric softeners often contain floral or fruity fragrances, which bees may mistake for real blossoms.” This explains why bees seem to search for nectar on your clothes.

Bees are also drawn to bright or light-colored fabrics that resemble petals. Sunlight can intensify these visual cues, making laundry even more appealing. The mix of scent, color, and sunlight creates the perfect lure for curious bees.

Although bees can be startling, they “rarely sting unless provoked.” To reduce visits, hang laundry in shaded areas, use unscented or lightly scented detergents, or choose darker fabrics when drying outside.

Understanding why bees are attracted to laundry can help prevent unwanted visits while keeping both your clothes and the bees safe. Even simple chores like drying laundry reveal how closely human activity interacts with the natural world.