​Last night, a resident from Buangkok Block 984D called me around 9 PM about a bee infestation. Upon receiving his photos and videos, I confirmed that the bees were Apis dorsata, also known as the giant honey bee. This situation reminded me of a recent problem in Ang Mo Kio, so I decided to investigate further.

When I arrived at Block 984D, I noticed a pest control van parked nearby. As I entered the lift, I saw a few bees flying inside and some dead or struggling bees on the floor. Upon reaching the 18th floor, I found many bees swarming around the corridor lights and numerous dead bees on the ground. The strong smell of pesticide indicated that pest control had already sprayed extensively, but the bees were everywhere, making it impossible to chase after each one.
Watch the video below to see the conditions I observed at Buangkok Block 984D:

​As I descended to the lower floors, I noticed a gradual decrease in the number of bees. By the 16th floor, the number of bees had significantly reduced. To understand the full extent of the affected area, I walked to Block 984C and found a similar situation.

​Based on my observations, I believe the bees were resting in a tree within the garden situated between the three blocks, which are roughly 100 to 200 meters apart. Comparing this case to a daytime bee extermination process, it's clear that bees are attracted to light sources at night due to their lost navigation ability. This explains why all three blocks were affected.


From below video, you can see the extent of the bee infestation and the aftermath of the pesticide spraying in the day time.

​Bees are crucial to our environment, playing a vital role in pollination. It's essential to handle bee infestations humanely and effectively. If there's a genuine concern about the bees, relocation or rehoming should be prioritized over extermination. However, if authorities deem extermination necessary, it should be conducted during the day. From the video and my observations, the current nighttime extermination method is not effective, as it leaves behind escaped bees and affects a broader area.

As we reflect on the Buangkok incident, it’s clear that better practices are needed. By prioritizing humane relocation and raising awareness about the impacts of toxic pesticides, we can protect both our environment and our communities.
For a visual illustration of this story, you can watch the full video here.

For more insights into bee conservation and management, visit our website at www.nutrinests.com. Let's work together to ensure a safer and more bee-friendly environment.
Sign the petition to change the current way the bees are handled. 
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​As Singapore celebrates its 59th National Day at Padang, I had the incredible honor of contributing to the festivities in a truly special way – by saving a bee colony and ensuring public safety. This memorable experience fills me with pride and joy, perfectly aligning with Nutrinest’s mission of bee conservation.

It all started with a call to remove a bee nest at Padang. With the National Day Parade approaching, the need for a quick and humane solution was paramount. The pest control team was ready to step in, but I was given the opportunity to save the bees instead.

Climbing up the vertical ladder, I scouted the bee nest’s location. The hole was just big enough for me to insert my arm into the metal column. With my special harness securely fastening me to the ladder, my hands were free to perform the delicate task ahead. Although the nest was slightly out of reach, I carefully maneuvered to remove it.

​Gently, I transferred the bee nest into my holding box. Ensuring the queen bee was inside was crucial – once she was safe, the rest of the colony would follow. It was mesmerizing to watch as the bees, in perfect order, reunited with their queen. Within 30 minutes, most of the bees had settled in the box. I covered it securely and lowered it, along with my equipment, to the ground.

​I want to extend my deepest gratitude to Kumar Rajesh for his initiative in engaging Nutrinest for this timely and meaningful pre-NDP event. His foresight allowed us to contribute to National Day celebrations in a unique and impactful way.

Happy National Day to all my fellow Singaporeans! Let’s continue to strive for a more sustainable and environmentally friendly approach to managing our bees. Together, we can make a significant difference in protecting these vital pollinators.

As a dedicated bee conservationist, I have reservations about collaborating with pest control companies for several compelling reasons. Firstly, there exists a fundamental conflict of interest between revenue generation and the core mission of conserving bee populations. Pest control companies may prioritize profitability over the welfare of bees, potentially offering cheaper extermination services rather than supporting bee rescue efforts by beekeepers.
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Secondly, the absence of clear guidelines on whether to rescue or exterminate bee colonies further complicates the collaboration process. This ambiguity can lead to inconsistent decisions that may not align with the overarching goal of bee conservation.

Moreover, our primary focus should be on conserving bee populations and fostering coexistence rather than simply relocating them. The best solution is to create an environment where bees can thrive alongside human activities without disruption.

Before considering collaboration with pest control companies, several criteria must be met to ensure the feasibility and effectiveness of such partnerships. These criteria should include:

1. Commitment to Conservation: Pest control companies must demonstrate a genuine commitment to bee conservation, prioritizing the well-being of bee colonies over short-term profits.
2. Guidelines and Training: Clear guidelines and training programs should be established to educate pest control personnel on the importance of bee conservation and humane removal methods.
3. Monitoring and Reporting: Implement mechanisms for monitoring and reporting on the outcomes of bee-related interventions, ensuring that bee populations are genuinely protected.
4. Transparency: Encourage transparency in collaborations, with both parties sharing information and progress openly.

Collaboration between beekeepers and pest control companies can offer several benefits to the latter, including enhanced public image, participation in vital conservation efforts, and potential diversification of services. However, it's crucial to establish checks and balances to prevent companies from capitalizing on the collaboration for marketing or branding purposes, rather than genuinely contributing to bee conservation.

To illustrate tangible methods, pest control companies could engage in educational outreach programs, invest in research on sustainable pest management practices, and actively participate in rescuing and relocating bee colonies when necessary. These efforts should be closely monitored and evaluated to ensure they align with the objectives of bee conservation.

It is indeed concerning that some beekeepers collaborate with pest control companies without a robust mechanism in place to safeguard bee populations. The alarming statement from a beekeeper regarding respecting the "freedom of choice" for pest control companies in determining the fate of bee colonies highlights the urgency of establishing clear guidelines and ethical standards in such collaborations. Even as government agencies adopt humane bee removal methods, it is imperative that these agencies work diligently to ensure that pest control companies are genuinely committed to protecting bees, backed by transparent and effective mechanisms.