Tom Rea opts not to wear gloves so his movements are less disturbing to the bees.

The public has the power to support honeybees and boost the declining population, said Dennis vanEngelsdorp, acting state apiarist. His suggestions include:

"It's one of the most relaxing and enjoyable things you can do," vanEngelsdorp said.Beekeepers are required to register with the state Department of Agriculture.

Supporting those who keep bees and produce local honey will, in turn, help the honeybees. It also provides a boost to the local economy.

Even common household pesticides can harm honeybees. If you must use chemical pesticides, spray them at dusk when bees are not working.

"Try planting a pollinating garden with different flowering plants that bloom at different times of year," vanEngelsdorp said. "This creates a habitat and food not only for honeybees, but for native pollinators."Experts also recommend keeping part of the garden wild. Bees don't discriminate against dandelions and other uncultivated plants.