The beloved bumble bee is facing its worst threat yet, according to Irish beekeepers.

A parasite which has been killing the bees over the last few years has now become resistant to the chemicals used to deter it.

The parasite, varroa, has wiped out a massive amount of the bee population, according to Dublin beekeeper Eamon Magee.

"The varroa parasite has become a much bigger problem now, particularly in Europe and in Ireland. Before it came to Ireland there were bees to be seen everywhere. Now the only place you'll find them is with beekeepers. There are now no more wild bees. Varroa has spread very quickly over the last few years in Ireland," he said.

"The problem is now compounded by the fact the parasite is becoming resistant to the chemicals we use against them."

Magee said he was now in contact with the Department of Agriculture in order to be allowed the use of chemicals which are currently restricted in Ireland.

"Beekeepers are working with the department on this to bring in new chemicals to use," he said.

"They would have to approve their use and so would the veterinary institutes. It is important in that Irish bees are in a lot of danger at the moment, particularly now coming into warmer climates.

"We have to medicate the bees and that is the only way to keep them alive at this stage."

Despite the problems facing beekeepers, applications for training courses have almost doubled.

"Beekeeping has become the latest recession hobby. Applications have seen a massive leap. We had 64 applications for training courses in beekeeping in the last year. We were supposed to cap it at 50 maximum but the demand was just so high," said Magee.

"It has become almost like the latest allotment movement across Ireland. People are more interested in making their own food in the recession and are also interested in looking after an endangered species more so than ever before."

Nationwide, there has been an increase of 1,200 to 1,800 beekeepers over the last five years. Magee said, however, that those looking to take up beekeeping should think it through first as it is a time-consuming pursuit.

"My job is a labour of love, and it is a lot of effort with a lot of challenges," he said. "There are a few people who might think that they can be rich by going into beekeeping. That is definitely not true."