Hornissen – Erteilung von artenschutzrechtlichen Ausnahmegenehmigungen zur Nestumsiedlung, Nestentfernung

• § 44 Para. 1 No. 1 and 3 Federal Nature Conservation Act (BNatSchG)

Hornets are useful and peaceful insects. A large hornet colony can feed up to 500 grams of insects to its brood in one day. There is also no increased risk of being stung by a hornet.

The native hornet (Vespa crabro) is one of the legally protected species because of its acute population threat. Hornets often nest in cavities of residential buildings that are difficult to access. This can lead to nuisance to the residents. Since hornets are protected species, they must not be killed and their nests must not be destroyed. Therefore, hornet colonies are only relocated (or if this is not possible, removed) if there is a concrete danger to the residents.

Administrative fees are incurred for the issuance of the species protection exemption. In addition, the relocation or removal is usually also subject to costs.

According to the Federal Nature Conservation Act (BNatSchG), administrative offenses are punishable by fines of up to 50,000.00 euros for intentional or negligent violations of these regulations.

Removal/relocation may only be carried out by a specialist company (e.g. pest control) or persons trained for this purpose (e.g. fire department).

To remove (relocate or remove) a nest located in a critical location, you must obtain a waiver from the lower conservation authority.