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Bees, wasps and hornets

Bumblebee on a yellow flower

All native animal and plant species are protected by the Federal Nature Conservation Act (§ 39 BNatSchG). Accordingly, it is prohibited to deliberately disturb, capture, injure or kill wild animals without reasonable cause.

When bees, wasps, bumblebees, or hornets are present, nature conservation considerations must always be taken into account. The primary goal is always to preserve the nests and the animals living in them.

Native wild bees

Certain species also enjoy additional special protection. All native wild bee and bumblebee species, as well as all native species of cuckoo wasps and button-horn wasps, are covered by this special protection. If breeding sites cannot be preserved due to an increased risk, the Higher Nature Conservation Authority may, in exceptional cases, grant the necessary permission.

Contact: poststellesgdsued.rlpde 

European hornet

European hornet
European hornet

The European hornet (Vespa crabro) is also under special protection. If its nest cannot be preserved due to an increased risk, the Parks and Environment Department, as the local nature conservation authority, may grant a permit in exceptional cases.

All other native wasp species are under general protection. If a heightened risk situation arises at the breeding sites, consultation with the Parks and Environment Office is required.

Asian hornet

Asian hornet
Asian hornet

The Asian hornet (Vespa velutina) is considered an established invasive species—that is, a non-native species that is spreading rapidly—and is not subject to general protection. Removal of breeding sites is no longer mandatory, but is still recommended for biodiversity conservation purposes. Reports of nest locations on private property can be submitted via the Rhineland-Palatinate state’s online reporting portal, ArtenFinder. Reports of nest locations in municipal green spaces, playgrounds, and recreational areas can be submitted to the Parks and Environment Office at any time.

Further information

Contact us

Address

Green and Environmental Office

Grün- und Umweltamt, Haus B
Geschwister-Scholl-Straße 4
55131 Mainz

Postal address

P.O. Box 3820
55028 Mainz

Explanations and notes

Picture credits

Sprachauswahl

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