Dealing with wasps and hornets

Wasps and hornets generally pose no danger to humans. They can sting, which is painful but generally harmless to humans. Native wasps, including the European hornet as the largest native wasp species, fulfil important ecological tasks in the natural regulation of other insects and in the prevention of the spread of disease and infection. If wasps or European hornets are having a major impact on everyday life, the nests can be carefully relocated by experts. Specialised companies can be contacted in Waldeck-Frankenberg for this purpose. A licence under species protection law is only required for the relocation of nests of hornets, as these are under special protection under the Federal Nature Conservation Act.

Only if there is an acutely threatening situation for humans - for example, if a wasp nest has been built in the immediate vicinity of an allergy sufferer - should the nests be removed as part of precautionary health protection. Any costs incurred for this must be borne by the client. To keep wasps away from cakes, drinks and barbecues in particular, it is recommended that the insects be driven away with a spray of water from a spray bottle. The insects mistake the spray mist for rain and usually retreat to their nests. In their presence, you should also avoid making any hectic movements that the insects might perceive as a threat. Wasps are also beneficial animals worth protecting, as they naturally control many pests and pollinate some flowering plants.

Asian hornet

In recent years, a new species of wasp – the Asian hornet – has spread across Germany; it is native to East Asia. It was introduced to Europe by humans and was first recorded in southern Germany in 2014, and in Waldeck-Frankenberg from 2023 onwards. Since 2025, this species has been considered established in Germany, as it is now widespread, particularly in southern Germany. The Asian hornet can cause economic damage, as it feeds on both ripe fruit and captured insects. Damage can occur, for example, in fruit growing and beekeeping in the vicinity of existing Asian hornet nests. Beekeepers can contact the bee experts Helmut Lerch from Rosenthal or Jens Bangert from Korbach.

The control of Asian hornets should only ever be carried out by qualified specialists, as this can trigger a significant defensive reaction from all the hornets living in the colony at the same time, which may pose serious health risks. Furthermore, before taking any action, it is always essential to ensure that the species in question is not the European hornet, which is a specially protected species and may not be exterminated under any circumstances.

Report sightings online

The following applies to both: Anyone who discovers the animals - whether individuals or entire nests - should report this immediately to the Hessian State Agency for Nature Conservation, Environment and Geology (HLNUG). It is important that reports are always accompanied by a photo of the sighted animal, as otherwise the information cannot be followed up. The aim is to get the population under control in order to protect native insects such as bees, wasps, flies and beetles in the best possible way.

Asian hornet vs. European hornet

How to recognise the invasive species? The Asian hornet is slightly smaller than the native European hornet and grows up to 2.4 centimetres in size. Their queens can be up to 3 centimetres long. The Asian hornet can be recognised by its characteristic black basic colouring: the thorax is black, the abdomen dark with a few yellow bands. The legs are black and yellow in colour. It should not be confused with the European hornet, which is yellow-orange in colour and is a protected species. In order to avoid the illegal killing of the strictly protected native hornet, it is important to differentiate between the two.