RESIDENTS in west Wiltshire have been urged to watch out for a swarm of more than 25,000 honey bees.

The swarm came from four hives in Semington which were home to around 100,000 bees.

The swarm headed in a northerly direction towards Bowerhill and Melksham, said owner Ian Williamson.

A beekeeper for the past six years, he said that people should watch out for the swarm and not be frightened.

“The bees took off yesterday at around 12.15pm heading north over the canal.

“It has been exceptionally warm and dry so they’re probably looking for a new home.

“They took off with the old queen, but we still have some colonies left in our four hives,” said Mr Williamson, 50, of Lock House next to the Semington Dry Dock.

Before the bees swarmed, Mr Williamson had around 100,000 bees in the four hives.

He says it’s still early in the season and the colony could have grown to more than 250,000 strong by June.

Anyone who sees the swarm should not panic but contact Pete Colegate, the Melksham & District Beekeepers Association’s swarm liaison officer, on 07720 610601.

On its website, the association says: “Although it may seem a bit frightening, swarming honey bees are not dangerous, will not chase you, and are extremely unlikely to sting anyone. Enjoy watching them - a swarm of bees is one of nature's wonders!

“When honey bees swarm they are simply moving house. They will leave their old home in a huge swirling, buzzing cloud of bees and will soon settle onto a tree or other object where they will hang in a cluster.

“The cluster can range in size from something as small as a tennis ball to something as big as a pillow, depending on how many bees there are.

“At this stage scout bees will begin searching for a new home - perhaps in a hollow tree, a shed, a post box or a roof.

“When a suitable new home has been found, usually after a few hours, the swarm will fly off and move in.

“Beekeepers can come and collect a swarm of bees when it is hanging in a cluster, before it moves off again.”

Melksham & District Beekeepers Association members offer a free swarm collection service to the general public.

This is a voluntary service and beekeepers will only be able to come if it is convenient and safe for them to do so.

If they do come, they cannot guarantee that the swarm will be removed if it is in a particularly difficult or dangerous place.

Sometimes branches of bushes and trees may have to be cut in order to gain access to the bees - you will be consulted in advance.