Local beekeeper: Don’t spray, let the bees be

Humans aren't the only ones affected by the temperature and this past winter was unfriendly to our buzzing friends, the bees.

Beekeepers say about 90 percent of the colonies here on Delmarva didn't make it through the winter. That's why as it begins to get warmer out, beekeepers are asking you to let the bees be.    

This time of year bees are looking to produce new colonies, colonies that might find their way into your backyard.

Although, instead of killing them off beekeepers are asking that you call a professional to remove them instead.

Jim Leether, a beekeeper and owner at Victory Garden Apiary says, "More than ever we need to conserve what we have. Especially bees that are wild to the area because they are conditioned to the climate here. They have survived the winter, they're the strong ones we need them here."

Leether says he will come get any beehive no matter the size. And although it can be scary when seeing a swarm of bees, he says they aren't aggressive so don't be afraid.

He adds that bees are crucial for our environment and with the rough winter we just had it's important to keep the ones here alive.