Chelsea Meryl Salmon does not mind a slight sting, and she is definitely used to sharp objects.

But the Wagga Wagga tattoo artist is still shaken after glancing outside on Tuesday afternoon and spying a swarm of bees.

"We just looked out the window and there were just thousands and thousands of them all across the windows [and] people running through the street," she said.

" I've never seen that many bees before, it was pretty crazy. "

The bees appeared without warning on Gurwood Street, in the city's CBD, at about 2pm.

Most nestled on a footpath advertising sign, but others flew onto the busy street.

Wagga Wagga Amateur Beekeepers Club president Ross de Clifford said colonies often became more active as the weather began to warm up.

"Generally, what happens is they outgrow their

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