106 Beehives Infected in Kalika Municipality After Sugar Syrup Feeding
Summary
106 beehives in Kalika Municipality of eastern Chitwan have been infected and many bees have died after being fed sugar syrup. Samples have been sent to Kathmandu for testing, and authorities suspect contamination from pesticides mixed with imported goods.
Key Points
- 106 of 166 beehives managed by Jang Bahadur Pun in Kalika-6 were infected after sugar syrup was fed to the bees on October 12.
- Pun says the bees began dying and weakening the next day, and he suspects the syrup or contaminated sugar bags may be linked to pesticide exposure.
- Samples have been sent to Kathmandu for testing with help from the Commercial Kit Development Center.
- Chitwan district has about 19,500 Melifera beehives, and commercial beekeepers feed syrup from June to October when grazing areas are limited.
