Question

In this video from Bloomburg Quicktake, the reporters discover at a methane well (Skip to 14:21) a GHG leak that has attracted bumblebees. Does natural gas smell sweet to bees? Why would the bees be attracted to the leak?

Answer 1

Bees are not naturally attracted to the smell of natural gas. However, they may be attracted to a gas leak if it releases certain chemicals that resemble the scents of flowers or other food sources for bees. For example, some gas leaks may contain compounds like ethyl mercaptan, which is added to natural gas to give it a distinctive smell.

Step-by-step explanation:

Bees are not naturally attracted to the smell of natural gas. However, they may be attracted to a gas leak if it releases certain chemicals that resemble the scents of flowers or other food sources for bees. For example, some gas leaks may contain compounds like ethyl mercaptan, which is added to natural gas to give it a distinctive smell. This compound has a sweet odor that could potentially attract bees.