This news release was published on July 19, 2011. The information in this news release may be out of date and some links may be broken.
DIGGER WASP INFESTATION: GRADUAL REOPENING OF PLAYGROUNDS
Gatineau, July 19, 2011. – Throughout the day, Gatineau will be gradually reopening the playgrounds that were closed as a preventive measure because of the presence of digger wasps.
Starting today, Gatineau will adopt the same strategy that was used by Ville de Montréal to control the digger wasp population by regularly raking the sand lots in parks in order to cover up the wasps' nests. The sand will also be sifted to try to eliminate the wasp cocoons as much as possible.
Gatineau will monitor the situation closely and is working with experts.
Gatineau would like to remind the public that the chances of getting stung are slim because these wasps are not aggressive and prefer to avoid humans when disturbed. Moreover, eliminating digger wasps is not recommended because they are useful: they help to pollinate flowers and to get rid of pesky insects like flies.
We thank residents for their understanding and usual cooperation.
Information: 3-1-1 or www.gatineau.ca.
About Gatineau
Recognized for its quality of life, Gatineau is a city of 298,000 inhabitants. It is located on the north shore of the Ottawa River, and extends east and west of the Gatineau River.
