Bees invade Buangkok flat as resident watches TV, hive found on rooftop of another block

What's the buzz?

A resident of Block 999A Buangkok Crescent was in his living room watching TV on July 14 around 8pm when he noticed something buzzing in his flat.

That was the beginning of the night's ordeal for Stomper T.

"Suddenly, so many bees were flying around my ceiling light," recounted the Stomper.

"I quickly used insect spray to kill some bee and shut all my windows. All over the corridor and outer surfaces of the block were covered with bees."

He said he called the town council and was informed someone was coming.

"But I waited for a few hours and no one came," said the Stomper.

"I tried calling again. They said a few blocks in Buangkok were affected by the bees and asked me to wait patiently."

He was advised to stay indoors, close all windows and turn off all lights.

Bee conservationist Xavier Tan posted on his blog that a resident of Block 984D Buangkok Link called him about the bee infestation at around 9pm.

Mr Tan visited the block and took a video of the bees there.

He wrote: "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."

Mr Tan, who is the founder and owner of Nutrinest, a one-man operation that conducts humane bee removal and beekeeping, also saw the insects at Blocks 984C and 992B Buangkok Link.

In response to a Stomp query, a spokesperson for Ang Mo Kio Town Council said it received feedback on the night of July 14 regarding bees at Block 999A Buangkok Crescent.

"We swiftly activated our pest control team that same night to investigate. The team confirmed that the presence of bees was due to the migration of Malayan honey bees," said the spokesperson.

"On the morning of July 15, our pest control team successfully located the beehive on the rooftop of Block 984D Buangkok Link. To ensure the safety of our residents, we conducted the first treatment that same morning and followed up with a second treatment later that afternoon.

"We thank our residents for their feedback as we work towards maintaining a safe environment for everyone."