Deforestation and Bee Migration

In the past, bees used to build their hives on treetops in natural forests in Singapore. Over the years, bees face a loss of habitat as the primary forest areas are reduced and broken up. This can be seen from the maps shown below.

Map of Singapore showing Forest Reserves in 1897 (hatched) and Nature Reserves in 1994 (dotted). Source: The Gardens’ Bulletin, Rain Forest in the City: Bukit Timah Nature Reserve Singapore.

Present map of Singapore showing locations of major forest fragments (map by Marcus Chua) Source: Habitatnews website.

As a result, they have migrated to human-dominated areas like gardens or even the tree outside your window. As Singapore is a garden city, bees find the green surroundings highly suitable for their hives. And this may cause conflict as such gardens and green spaces are areas for Singaporeans to enjoy. People may not be receptive to these newly-migrated bees, who have no choice to move as their previous habitats are destroyed.

More often than not, when bees build their hives in places where they are unwelcomed, some may choose to take it upon themselves to chase the bees away from their new hive location. This, however, is not advised as the bees will most likely be provoked and act in a self-defensive manner. Not only will you be hurt, you are simply directing the hive of bees to another location, where they may face the same lack of welcome from whoever is residing or working there. This does not solve the problem and simply pushes the responsibility to another’s hands. 

Pesky Pests?

As a result of deforestation and the destruction of the bees natural habitat, bees have no choice but to migrate into the city. They build their colonies closer or sometimes into homes. When bees turn up in homes, Singaporeans have described the experience as eerie, hearing a machine gun-like sound as the bees fly into their windows. They often turn to pest extermination companies who simply kill all the bees.

This is however very misinformed as more often than not, bees would not attack unless provoked. With proper handling and behaviour, they do not pose any danger. Suggestions on how to approach unwelcomed bees can be seen here!