Can I remove a wasp nest?
Only with good reason — and for some species not without a permit. Wasps are under general species protection (§ 39 BNatSchG): without a sensible reason you may not kill, catch or destroy their nest — so a nest on a remote gable you must tolerate. If there's a real danger (nest at the front door, an allergy sufferer in the household), it may be professionally relocated or removed — best by a beekeeper, pest controller or fire brigade. Hornets and wild bees, by contrast, are specially protected (§ 44 BNatSchG): removing their nest or killing the animals is banned without an exemption from the lower nature-conservation authority.
📋 The rules
- Wasps: general protection — no killing/destroying without a sensible reason (§ 39 BNatSchG)
- Real danger: professional relocation/removal (beekeeper, pest controller, fire brigade)
- Hornets and wild bees: specially protected (§ 44 BNatSchG)
- Removing their nest/killing them only with an exemption from the authority
- Nests die off naturally in autumn and aren't recolonised
🔓 Exceptions
- Concrete danger (nest at an entrance, day-care, allergy sufferer): removal allowed, ideally by professionals
- Hornets/wild bees: relocation only with a permit and by experts
- Abandoned, dead nests in late autumn may be removed
⚠️ Penalties & fines
Killing protected animals or destroying their nests without reason/permit is an administrative offence under the Federal Nature Conservation Act. Fines range, by state and species, from a few hundred euros to — for specially protected species like hornets — tens of thousands of euros (in some cases up to €50,000 and more). When in doubt, let the lower nature-conservation authority or a specialist firm decide.
📎 Official sources
- § 39 BNatSchG · General protection of wild animals →
- § 44 BNatSchG · Specially protected species →
- NABU · Wasps, hornets & co. — what to do about a nest? →
❓ Frequently asked
Can I just remove a wasp nest?
Not freely. Wasps are generally protected — without a sensible reason you may not kill them or destroy their nest. If the nest doesn't bother you, you must tolerate it. With a real danger, professional removal is allowed.
What applies to hornets?
Hornets are specially protected (§ 44 BNatSchG). Removing their nest or killing them is banned without an exemption from the lower nature-conservation authority — and should only be relocated by experts anyway.
When may I have a nest removed?
When there's a concrete danger, such as a nest right at the entrance, at a day-care or with allergy sufferers in the household. Then a beekeeper, pest controller or the fire brigade should relocate or remove it professionally.
What does illegally destroying a nest cost?
Depending on the state and species, a few hundred to tens of thousands of euros. For specially protected species like hornets, fines up to €50,000 and more are possible. When in doubt, get the authority's assessment first.
Do I have to tolerate the nest in winter?
No. Wasp and hornet nests die off naturally in autumn and aren't recolonised. An abandoned, dead nest you may then remove safely.
🔎 Common searches
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