The Foyle Beekeepers Association told the Journal a varroa mite - which is a parasite that feeds on the bees - is weakening colonies in the area.

They are hoping Oxalic acid, which is licensed in Denmark - as a treatment for Varroa - would be made available in this country.

At the moment beekeepers, who have the mite in their hives, are forced to use other organic methods - which eventually the mite becomes resistant to.

In the meantime the group say they are thankful the colony collapse disorder (CCD)- an illness prevalent throughout USA, and which is the significant cause of bee losses in France and Germany - is not in ireland or the UK.

Secretary, PJ Costello said: "The problem with CCD is that a possible cause is GM crops but nothing for definite has been proven.

"With CCD colonies die out quite rapidly often with plenty of food stores in the hive and with the bees appearing to be working as normal.

"Studies are on-going so we must wait and see. GM crops are a possible "suspect" as pollen is the main protein source for the bees and when it's collected by the bees from GM crops it contains the modified structure of the GM organism which will have a long term effect on the survival of bee colonies."

The association which has 27 members and approximately 53 registered beekeepers in Inishowen said they are advising gardeners to be conscious of what sprays and treatments are used on their plants - because bees pollinate the plants and flowers.

The group said bees normally swarm from April through to August and if they cause annoyance to any householders across the peninsula the beekeepers will do their best to remove the swarms.