Stinging insects and hive removal

It’s that time of year again! Picnics, walks in the park, sunny days at the playground…and stinging insects. While many of us might find these insects to be pests, they are important contributors to our ecosystem. That is why when we get reports of hives in our parks, we don’t immediately remove them but make several determinations first.??

Yellow Jackets and paper wasps are predatory insects that prey on garden insects and help control their populations. And bees are necessary pollinators. To minimize the impacts on these beneficial members of our gardens and parks, not every hive reported will be treated or eradicated. Treatment will be conducted if a hive is verified and meets the following conditions:?

• It is close to high-use areas such as picnic shelters and playgrounds.?
• It is close to heavily used sidewalks, pathways, or trails.?

Reports of hive activity will be investigated within two business days. If treatment meets the above-listed criteria, it will be treated within 24 hours and a sign will be placed notifying the public of the treatment time. If a hive is verified but does not meet the necessary treatment criteria, a sign will be placed to notify the public of an active hive.?

Learn more at Noxious weeds, stinging insects, and chemical control authorization | City of Shoreline ( shorelinewa.gov )