Emergency: 079 584 40 04
Wespenprofis.ch

Frequently asked questions

Your questions about wasp nests, answered

The questions we hear most often across more than 800 jobs — answered honestly. Question not covered? Give us a call.

Emergencies & how we work

I have found a wasp nest — what should I do?

Stay calm and keep your distance. Do not seal the entrance hole; that only provokes the wasps further. Watch the nest from a safe distance and give us a call for a quick assessment over the phone.

Can I simply send a photo via WhatsApp?

Yes. A photo of the nest — or at least of the entrance hole — sent by WhatsApp to 079 584 40 04 is usually all we need for an initial assessment and a fixed price, without any phone call at all.

Can you come out today?

In most cases, yes — if you call in the morning, we can often be with you the same day. We will confirm exact availability in a brief phone call.

Do you cover my area?

We work throughout German-speaking Switzerland, with a focus on the cantons of Zug, Zurich, Aargau, Schwyz and Lucerne — and we are usually on site the same day. Check your postcode online.

What happens during the appointment?

We assess the situation, quote you a fixed price, and then remove or relocate the nest professionally using the appropriate protective equipment. We describe what happens on a callout step by step on a dedicated page.

The nest is in a roller shutter box or in the roof — will you have to break anything open?

Almost never. We treat the nest through the entrance hole or via existing inspection openings, without breaking open roller shutter boxes, cladding or roof sections. You can read more on our wasp nest removal page.

What should I do if someone is stung by a wasp or hornet?

Cool the sting site and watch how the person reacts. If there is shortness of breath, significant swelling around the throat, dizziness or circulatory problems, call 144 immediately — these can be signs of anaphylactic shock.

Species & risk

Are hornets protected in Switzerland?

The European hornet is not protected by law in Switzerland. It is, however, a beneficial insect and far shyer than its reputation suggests, which is why we recommend relocation over destruction wherever possible. The Asian hornet is a different matter: it is invasive and must be reported (see www.asiatischehornisse.ch).

How do I recognise an Asian hornet?

It is usually darker than the European hornet, with yellow leg tips and an orange face. If you suspect an Asian hornet nest, do not attempt to treat it yourself — report it.

Are bumblebees and wild bees dangerous?

No. Bumblebees and wild bees, such as the violet carpenter bee, are very peaceful and virtually never sting unprovoked. They are also strictly protected (Annex 3 of the Ordinance on the Protection of Nature and Cultural Heritage) and must not be destroyed.

What should I do about a bee swarm or a bee nest?

Honeybees belong to a beekeeper and must not be treated with biocides. Get in touch with your local beekeeping association or with us — we are happy to put you in contact with the right person.

DIY & safety

Can I remove the nest myself?

We would advise against it. Without protective equipment and expertise, the risk of multiple stings and allergic reactions is high, particularly with large or awkwardly positioned nests. Read more about professional wasp nest removal here.

Do home remedies like vinegar, smoke or water work?

Barely, and some are downright dangerous. Smoke and fire near buildings carry a fire risk and make the insects considerably more aggressive. We advise against home remedies as a rule.

Is an empty nest still dangerous in autumn?

No. Wasp colonies die off naturally in late autumn; only the young queens overwinter elsewhere. An empty nest will not be recolonised the following year and can be removed — though it does not have to be.

How can I stop a nest from being built again?

Check roller shutter boxes, roof overhangs and cavities regularly in spring, seal off any potential entry points, and avoid leaving sweet food and drinks standing out in summer.

Legal questions & costs

Do I need a permit to have a nest removed?

For a wasp or hornet nest on a residential building, you generally do not need any official permit. For strictly protected species such as wild bees or bumblebees, however, destruction is prohibited. If in doubt, we will clarify this for you.

What does wasp nest removal cost?

After a brief assessment over the phone we quote you a fixed price, based on the position and accessibility of the nest — before we set off. That way there are no hidden costs. You will find an overview of typical price ranges on our prices page.

What does wasp nest removal really cost — are there any hidden charges?

No. We quote you the price up front on the phone — and that is the price that applies, however long the job takes or however far we have to travel. We do not add surcharges for travel or time spent. You will find the details on our prices page.

Will my insurance cover the cost?

Some household contents policies cover removal in full or in part as part of an add-on. It is best to ask your insurer directly whether you have that kind of cover.

What happens if something gets damaged during the job?

In practice this is very rare. Should something be damaged, we are fully covered by our public liability insurance. Every job also includes a documented treatment report in line with SN EN 16636 (the European standard for professional pest management services), which makes the whole process fully traceable.

Who pays for the removal — me as the tenant, or my landlord?

That depends on the individual case and sometimes on your tenancy agreement. Where the nest is a consequence of the building itself — in a roller shutter box or the roof, for example — the landlord is often responsible. The simplest approach is to sort it out together; we are happy to issue an invoice with a clear description of the work carried out.

Found a nest? Give us a call.

A no-obligation assessment by phone — usually on site the same day.