NYC Parks Department Tells Residents to Pay for Hornet Nest Removal

The New York City Parks Department has informed residents of a Queens neighborhood that they must bear the cost of relocating a large hornets' nest, sparking frustration and concern. The nest, described as the size of two basketballs, is located in a city tree at the corner of Cowles Court and Dry Harbor Road in Middle Village.

Representatives for Councilman Phil Wong's office approached the Parks Department with complaints after constituents reported the sizable nest, which is situated near the home of a 79-year-old resident. The department's response, conveyed by assistant borough commissioner Camile Easterling, stated that the city would not intervene because wasps "play an important role in our ecosystem" and serve as "plant pollinators and help control populations of harmful insect pests."

Easterling's email to Wong's chief of staff suggested that if relocation is deemed necessary, residents should "hir[e] a qualified insect relocator." However, it also noted that any work on city trees requires a permit from the agency. Relocating such nests typically costs between $200 and $800, according to Angi.com. The Parks Department also suggested residents call 911 in an emergency, referencing the NYPD's beekeeping unit.

Councilman Wong criticized the department's stance as "absurd," arguing that residents should not have to fund the removal of a nest from a city tree. "Parks needs to do its job before somebody gets hurt," Wong stated.

Residents expressed their worries about potential dangers, especially given that some individuals have severe allergies to stings. Betty Coccaro, whose home is near the nest, questioned the city's priorities and the risk posed if the nest were to fall.

Jody Gangloff-Kaufmann, coordinator of Cornell University’s Integrated Pest Management program, noted that while bald-faced hornets typically avoid human interaction, she understood the residents' concerns. She also clarified that relocating wasp nests is not feasible in the same way as honeybee hives, which can be domesticated and moved. The Parks Department did not respond to further inquiries.