All wild animals are subject to general species protection under the Federal Nature Conservation Act. They may not be killed without good reason. Hornets, bumblebees and all wild bees as individual species are under special species protection. Measures on their nests may only be carried out in exceptional cases and always require a permit from the nature conservation authority. Anyone who removes a nest or kills animals without permission is liable to prosecution!

When people talk about nuisance wasps, they are usually referring to the two colony-forming wasps German Wasp (Vespula germanica) and Common Wasp (Vespula vulgaris). These two species are not subject to special species protection. Nevertheless, their nests must not be destroyed without good reason. However, relocation or removal of wasp nests does not require approval from the Lower Nature Conservation Authority.

In many cases, however, the removal of the nest can be dispensed with; peaceful coexistence is often possible for the duration of a summer. If the removal of a nest is unavoidable, relocating the animals is the most environmentally friendly method. Professional nest relocation is carried out by beekeepers, nature conservation associations and specialized companies.

Only in real emergencies (genuine insect venom allergy, nests in the homes of small children or sick people) and if relocation is not technically possible, can they be killed after approval by the Lower Nature Conservation Authority.

The City of Bonn recommends the involvement of experts, for example an ecological pest control company that avoids the use of toxic substances as far as possible. Bear in mind that the use of chemical insecticides can always have a negative impact on the surrounding area, i.e. on people and the natural environment.

Swarms of bees mainly occur in early summer. These are always honey bees. Although these animals appear threatening due to their initially wild flying around, they are completely peaceful as they have no nest to defend. Local beekeepers are usually prepared to capture such swarms.