They're attracted to the salt in human perspiration, which is exactly why they're called sweat bees. Unlike other bees that ignore you, sweat bees actively hunt your scent. This works because you're essentially masking the scents sweat bees are tracking. Remove debris and clutter from your yard Fallen leaves, scattered branches, stacked wood, and garden clutter create perfect shelter for sweat bees. These technical materials pull sweat away from your body and dry rapidly, effectively removing the scent cues that draw sweat bees straight to your skin.