A judge ruled that Eric and Sue Olson of Selah may not use a "right-to-farm" defense against a lawsuit filed by neighbors who claim the bees are a nuisance.

The bees, which pollinate fruit trees, reside part of the year in a holding yard near the rural home of James and Debby Wall, who raise cattle and pigs. The Walls had filed suit against the Olsons claiming the bees are a nuisance by stinging them, drowning in their pool and depositing excrement on their house, cars and clothes.

Yakima County Superior Court Judge James Hutton on Thursday dismissed a "right-to-farm" defense sought by the Olsons, sending the two sides to mediation this summer. If they fail to reach an agreement, there could be a trial to determine whether the bees constitute a nuisance and, if so, whether the Walls deserve monetary damages.