A North Fork beekeeper is trying to convince New York lawmakers to create a bill that would make it illegal for exterminators to wipe out honeybee populations without first calling a beekeeper.

Deborah Klughers, of Bonac Bees, says New Jersey has a similar law that has helped protect bee populations there. She and other beekeepers say New York needs to do the same, as bee populations have been dropping dramatically nationwide.

Beekepers say May and June are peak months for swarms on Long Island.

Assemblyman Fried Thiele, of Sag Harbor, says he's supported other legislation to protect bees. He sent News 12 a statement saying: "I am currently drafting my own bill to more specifically address these concerns and prevent the extermination of honeybees."

In the meantime, Klughers urges people who see honeybees swarming on a branch or on a building to not to be alarmed and call someone who will safely remove them.

Beekeepers say swarms can be relocated at little to no cost to a homeowner.

Klughers started a Change.org petition to push for the bee-saving legislation in New York.