Del. beekeepers can join BeeCheck protection program

A new online tool aims to help Delaware beekeepers protect themselves from pesticides, which can drift due to weather or wind.

It’s called the “BeeCheck” program.

To participate, beekeepers add their state-registered beehives to the Drift-Watch map.

The program provides an online map for pesticide applicators. It could display areas with a lot of beehives, certified organic farms or a vegetable farm looking to avoid certain pesticides.

From there, applicators can take special precautions to avoid drifting onto those areas.

We’re told Delaware has about 270 registered beekeepers who have between 2,000 and 3,000 hives.