Umsiedelung von Nestern geschützter Insektenarten – Hornissen, Hummeln, Wespen und Wildbienen

Hornets, wasps, bumblebees and wild bees are protected. They belong to the state-forming insects and survive no more than a summer. They fulfil important functions in the natural cycle. Hornets and wasps regulate the species structure of insects, bumblebees pollinate flowers with their long proboscis that bees cannot reach, honey bees ensure a rich harvest in the orchard.

Most species are harmless and do not attack humans if they are undisturbed. Only two species of wasps are interested in sweet drinks or food.

The nests are built in natural caves (for example, woodpecker burrows) or in artificial cavities such as attics. Sometimes nesting or shutter boxes are also colonized. The nest area (about 4 meters around the nest) is defended by the insects, if necessary by stinging. The following disturbances should therefore be avoided:

• violent, fast movements
• longer adjustment of the trajectory
• Vibrations of the nest
• Manipulation of the nest or flight hole
• direct inhalation of the animals

A hornet sting is no more dangerous for normally sensitive people than a wasp sting. Outside the nest area, the animals are peaceful.

In exceptional cases: relocation of the nest

In the event of a danger to humans by the insects, an exemption for the relocation of the nest can be requested. Before thinking about relocating or removing the nest, the following measures can help:

• Separating the nest in the attic with a thin-meshed net v
• Closure of the nest area with a fence at a distance of about 5 meters
• Attaching a screen

Hint: You can also find advice on site at nature conservation associations, beekeepers or the fire brigade.

Informal request: please vote beforehand by telephone.

There must be an important reason for relocating or removing the nests of protected species, such as an allergy to insect bites.

Official acts under nature conservation law are usually subject to a fee in accordance with the special schedule of fees of the authorities in the field of environmental law, in the current version

Submit a written request containing the following information:

• Which species of insect to remove (wasp, hornet)? If necessary, clarify by phone in advance
• Location of the nest on your property or house (address, location map)
• Justification for the relocation or control (e.g. location directly next to windows, doors, impact of small children or allergy sufferers
• Date for relocation or control
• If you entrust this to a company: name and address of the company

If a nest of a protected species is to be removed, an exemption from the higher nature conservation authority (Structure and Approval Directorate North or Structure and Permit Directorate South) is required. The contact persons for citizens are the lower nature conservation authorities. Their tasks are performed by the district administrations or, in the case of independent cities, by the city administrations.

For more information, please contact them.