Learn More About Bee Species
Bees, wasps and hornets → in Singapore are flying insects, extremely important for humankind and closely related. About 20,000 species of the order Hymenoptera exist on earth — every continent apart from Antarctica has a population. Common bees in Singapore play an important role as pollinators for a range of flowers and vegetables.
Some of the food they pollinate for us includes blueberries, cherries, apples, nuts, cranberries, avocado and cucumber. Without their existence, our crops would be much smaller in size and of poor quality. Pollination is a crucial part of the life cycle of most plants — insects, birds and the wind carry or collect pollen found among flowering plants.
This means they can make seeds after reproducing to keep their lineage alive. Our pest control company has various safe methods to manage and remove infestations safely. Hiring experts for beehive removal → is the best way to permanently solve your pest problem.
Bee Characteristics
Bees are social insects that live in nest colonies found throughout the world. They inhabit gardens, forests, roof eaves and wall cavities. In Singapore they are common in both urban and forested areas and play a critical role in pollinating local flora.
The queen starts by laying eggs, each roughly the size of a grain of rice. Unlike bird eggs, they do not crack open — when it is time to hatch, the soft membrane dissolves and the tiny larva absorbs the nutrients within. In the larval stage, the helpless grub must eat a tremendous amount of food.
Mothers are in charge of collecting a supply of pollen and nectar so that their young have the energy to grow. The larva sheds its skin five times before entering the pupal stage. Some species spend months or even years in the larval state before undergoing metamorphosis.
Just like the caterpillar of a moth, the larva spins a cocoon before transforming itself. Inside the cocoon, it develops a head, legs and body before finally sprouting hair and wings. Once the change is complete, the adult chews its way out of the cocoon and begins its adult life.
Bees have three eyes called ocelli on top of their head, used primarily for navigation. They also have two large compound eyes made up of thousands of tiny lenses that allow them to see their surroundings as dots of colour. Most sensory information comes from two antennae that detect smells, vibrations and air currents.
Male bees may have long or short tongues depending on the type of flowers their species visits. They have two pairs of wings that interlock and beat in a figure-of-eight pattern, producing the characteristic buzzing sound at around 230 beats per second. Their legs are segmented and flexible with tarsal claws on their feet for gripping.
Only female bees possess a sting, as their stinger evolved from their egg-laying tube. Bees are solitary breathers — they have openings called spiracles through which they breathe. Their bodies consist of three segments: head, thorax and abdomen.
Bees are found on every continent except Antarctica, thriving wherever flowering plants exist. In Singapore, they inhabit gardens, parks, forested reserves and urban green corridors. Social species such as the honey bee build large wax combs inside tree hollows, roof eaves, wall cavities and meter boxes. A colony can number in the tens of thousands.
Solitary species like the carpenter bee bore perfectly circular tunnels into untreated timber to create individual nest chambers. Sweat bees nest in the ground or in rotting wood, while stingless bees build intricate resin nests inside hollow structures. Understanding nesting habits is essential for safe and humane removal.
As Singapore continues to urbanise, bee habitats are increasingly found in close proximity to human dwellings. Bees rarely sting unprovoked — they nest where they feel safe and undisturbed. Engaging a professional for beehive removal is the only responsible and safe way to relocate an established colony.
Around 90 percent of the world's wildflowers rely on pollination by animals rather than wind or water. Bees are nature's prime pollinators and are completely dependent on nectar and pollen for survival and the production of royal jelly. They are unusual in that they feed pollen and nectar directly to their larvae as well.
Asian honey bees are famous for their waggle dance and can visit up to 100 flowers every time they leave the hive, doing this 15 or more times a day. Solitary bee species often outperform social cousins in gathering pollen. Without their pollen baskets, they scatter much more pollen across a wider range of plants.
An enormous diversity of bees evolved to support the world's vast variety of plants. That is the reason to maintain biodiversity and avoid killing them wherever possible — losing one bee species can mean the loss of the plant and ecosystem it has adapted to support.
Bee Life Stages
Signs of Bee Infestation
Although infestations do not often happen on the island, when they do, they can be dangerous. Stings can cause severe allergic reactions and a large colony can be fatal if provoked. Contact our pest control services → immediately if you notice any of these signs near your property.
Bees are generally non-aggressive but will defend their colony vigorously when threatened. Daytime swarms or large clusters of activity around a fixed point in your wall or roof are a clear warning sign of an established nest.
Watch out for these signs:
Residual Stain
When bees produce and store honey inside walls or ceilings, they leave dark patches and stains. These can attract other unwanted pests and worsen over time if left untreated.
Sighting
Frequent sightings of large numbers around your property signal an established colony. Some species can grow to one hundred thousand members, nesting in dead wood or near building cavities.
Active Nest
Social species nest in a variety of cavities — hollow logs, compost bins, roof eaves and wall voids. Do not attempt removal with repellent or DIY methods as results can be fatal.
Sting Incidents
When threatened, honeybees and mason bees will sting. Most species have a barbless stinger capable of stinging multiple times. Seek medical attention promptly if stung.
Types of Bees
Frequently Asked Questions
Are bees in Singapore dangerous? ⌄
Most bee species in Singapore are not aggressive unless their nest is threatened. However, certain species like the Malayan bee (Apis dorsata) can be highly defensive and attack in large numbers. Stings can cause severe allergic reactions in some individuals. If you discover a nest near your home or workplace, do not disturb it — contact a professional for safe removal.
What is the difference between bees, hornets and wasps? ⌄
Bees are generally hairy and primarily feed on pollen and nectar — they are key pollinators. Wasps are typically smooth-bodied and more predatory, feeding on other insects. Hornets are the largest type of wasp and are known for their aggressive defence of their nest. All three belong to the order Hymenoptera and are found in Singapore.
Can I remove a beehive myself? ⌄
No. Attempting to remove a beehive without professional training is extremely dangerous. Disturbing the hive triggers a defensive response and can result in hundreds of simultaneous stings. DIY repellent or chemical sprays are largely ineffective and may provoke the colony further. Our licensed specialists use safe, targeted methods to relocate or remove the hive without risk to residents.
How do I know if I have a bee infestation? ⌄
Key signs include large numbers of bees entering and exiting a specific point in your wall, ceiling or roof; dark honey stains spreading through walls or ceilings; a persistent buzzing sound from inside a wall or roof cavity; and visible comb or wax structure in exposed areas. If you notice any of these signs, contact us immediately.
Are bee control treatments safe for children and pets? ⌄
Yes. All treatments carried out by our NEA licensed technicians are approved and safe when applied correctly. Residents and pets should remain away from the treated area during and immediately after treatment. Our technician will provide clear post-treatment safety instructions before leaving the site.
What types of bees are most commonly found in Singapore? ⌄
The most commonly encountered species in Singapore are the honey bee (Apis cerana and Apis mellifera), the Malayan bee (Apis dorsata), the carpenter bee (Xylocopa) and the sweat bee (Halictidae). Each species has different nesting behaviours and risk levels, which is why species identification is important before any control method is applied.
Get Professional Bee, Hornets
& Wasps Control — NEA Licensed
Our NEA licensed technicians identify the species, locate all nesting areas and safely remove or relocate the colony with a follow-up service to ensure complete eradication.