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IntroductionLast 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. The Situation at BuangkokWhen 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. Suspecting that the bees had been disturbed from a nearby tree, I continued my investigation at Block 992B. The top two floors of this block, closest to the community garden, were also affected. Analysis and FindingsBased 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. The Importance of Bees and Proper ManagementBees 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. Recommendations for Future Actions
ConclusionAs 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. Call to ActionFor 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.
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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. An Unforgettable Pre-NDP EventIt 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. The Adventure Begins 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. A Delicate OperationGently, 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. A Heartfelt Thank YouI 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. A Bright Future for Bee ConservationHappy 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. |