Relocation of nests of protected insect species - apply for an exception or exemption

Before applying for an exception or exemption from the prohibitions under species protection law, the situation should be examined by an expert. The competent nature conservation authority can also carry out this examination and advise whether an application for an exception or exemption should be submitted.

An application must be submitted to the locally responsible lower nature conservation authority of the district or independent city for an exception or exemption from the prohibitions under species protection law, or information can be provided there on the necessary procedures.

• Danger to people cannot be ruled out

The relocation or removal of wasp, hornet, wild bee, bumblebee or ant nests can only be carried out in the interests of human health and public safety or if a risk to humans cannot be ruled out.

• Danger cannot be averted by other measures

Before relocating or removing a nest, it must be clarified whether the existing hazard can be averted by other suitable measures. An expert must be commissioned to examine the possibilities of averting a hazard through other suitable measures or relocating the nest.

• If the nest has to be destroyed: Relocation is not possible

Before removing a nest, it must be clarified whether the existing risk can be averted by relocating it or whether this is not possible, for example because the nest is in an inaccessible location and cannot be removed without destroying it.

An informal application for an exception or exemption under species protection law must be submitted.

Your application should contain at least the following information:

• Which insect species should be removed (wild bee, bumblebee, wasp, hornet, ants, etc.)?
• Location of the nest on your property or on your house
• Justification for relocation or control
• Deadline for relocation or control
• If you commission a company to do this: name and address of the company

If you have difficulties identifying the insect species, please contact the responsible authority.

Costs are incurred both for the granting of an exception/exemption (= notification) by the UNB and for the relocation/removal by a third party (e.g. specialist, pest controller, beekeeper), which are to be borne by the applicant.

• § Section 39 (5) sentence 1 number 2 of the Federal Nature Conservation Act
• § Section 44 of the Federal Nature Conservation Act (BNatSchG) - Prohibitions
• § Section 45 (7) of the Federal Nature Conservation Act (BNatSchG)
• § Section 67 of the Federal Nature Conservation Act

Tips for dealing with hornets, wasps, bumblebees, wild bees and ants

The species-protected hornets, wasps, bumblebees, wild bees and ants are colony-forming insects and do not survive longer than one summer. They fulfil important functions in the natural cycle. Hornets and wasps regulate the species structure of insects, bumblebees use their long proboscis to pollinate flowers that bees cannot reach and honeybees ensure a rich harvest in the orchard.

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

The nests are built in natural cavities (e.g. woodpecker cavities) or in artificial cavities such as attics. Sometimes nest boxes or shutter boxes are also colonised. The nest area (approx. 4 metres 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
• Shaking of the nest
• Tampering with the nest or entrance hole
• Direct breathing on 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.

Tip: You can find advice locally from nature conservation associations, beekeepers or the fire brigade.

Various insect species (e.g. bumblebees and wild bees, certain wasps, hornets and certain ant species) are subject to special protection. They must therefore not be caught, injured or killed and their nests must not be damaged or destroyed. For this reason, an exemption must be applied for from the locally responsible lower nature conservation authority of the district or district-free city for the relocation or removal of the nests. Other insect species are subject to general species protection. In this case, an exemption must be applied for to relocate or remove the nests.