20,000 bees swarm on woman's washing

A beekeeper had to be called after a swarm of 20,000 bees attached themselves to an Australian woman's washing.

They made a bee line for some colourful pants and socks hanging on a washing line in Victoria, Australia.

Beekeeper Brian Gardiner, who was called to clear the insects, said the woman had been terrified when she saw the bees attached to one of her socks.

"She had gone out to bring the washing in and got the fright of her life," he said.

"When she rang me and described where the swarm was, I had to grab my camera."

Mr Gardiner said that bees swarm in the spring when their hives become overcrowded, forcing the queen bee to head out with some of her workers.

The bees then cluster nearby while scouts head out to find suitable locations for a new hive.

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