A resident has filmed incredible footage showing a swarm of bees flying out of a Welsh church. Carl Gwyn Matthews, alongside his partner Khloe Louise Jones of Abercynon in Rhondda Cynon Taf were in "complete awe" as the bees flew over their garden over the weekend.
Despite believing that the insects were wasps, a lecturer in natural sciences at Bangor University confirmed that they were in fact bees. According to Carl, the insects fly over their garden every summer. "The nest is located in one of the vents of the church and is close to our back garden," he explained to WalesOnline.
"It happens every year, but this is by far the biggest amount I have seen. We've been stung once or twice over the years, but nothing major - they'll only do it if they feel endangered. While I was filming the footage, the noise was overwhelming, I can't explain it any other way - it was mad. It really shows the extent of mother nature and how incredible it can be." You can get more local news and other story updates by subscribing to our newsletters here.
Read more: The old valleys railway clubhouse that's going under the hammer
As warmer days are fast approaching here in Wales, many of us may encounter wasp or bee nests. According to the British Pest Control Association (BPCA), wasp nests should only be treated if they pose a risk to public health and safety. Wasps can be beneficial in gardens as they feed their grubs on caterpillars and other insects, thereby reducing these pest populations. But if you own a shop or restaurant, you need to take wasp pest control seriously as you have a duty to protect your customers and staff. Read here about what to do if you see a swarm of bees.
Because bees are more beneficial and endangered (but not protected), BPCA recommends that you explore all other options first. Pest controllers only treat bee hives if there is a serious threat to human life.
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