Are wasps and hornets protected?
By Wespenprofis.ch · Reviewed by:Fachbewilligung Schädlingsbekämpfung VFB-S · Updated: 3 July 2026
At a glance
The common wasp and the German wasp are not protected in Switzerland and may be controlled where there is a risk to health. The European hornet is not protected by law either, but it is considered beneficial and should be relocated rather than destroyed. Bumblebees and wild bees, by contrast, are strictly protected. The invasive Asian hornet must be reported.
«Am I even allowed to have this dealt with, or am I breaking the law?» We hear this question almost daily — and the answer is more nuanced than many people assume. The Swiss Nature and Cultural Heritage Ordinance (NHV) protects only certain species; for others, control is expressly permitted. Here is the overview.
What the NHV covers
Annex 3 of the Nature and Cultural Heritage Ordinance lists the nationally protected animal species of Switzerland. Not every stinging insect appears on that list — and the classification varies considerably from species to species.
Species you are allowed to have controlled
The common wasp and the German wasp are not protected and are listed as «least concern» (LC) on the Red List. Where there is a risk to health — for instance a nest right beside the front door or close to living space — professional control is permitted.
Species you should spare
The European hornet is not protected by law, but it is ecologically beneficial and remarkably shy. We therefore recommend relocation rather than destruction. The harmless paper wasp also deserves to be spared, as it is barely aggressive.
Species that are strictly protected
Bumblebees and all wild bees — including the conspicuous violet carpenter bee — are strictly protected under Annex 3 of the NHV. Controlling them is illegal, and relocation is permitted only with cantonal authorisation. The honey bee is also a farm animal; biocides are prohibited and the beekeeper is responsible.
Special case: the Asian hornet
As an invasive, non-native species the Asian hornet enjoys no legal protection, but it is subject to a reporting obligation via www.asiatischehornisse.ch.
What this means for you
Before you act, the species should be identified beyond doubt — a misidentification can be expensive and, in some cases, a criminal offence. You will find details on the individual species in our guide «Diese Arten dürfen nicht bekämpft werden» and in the identification hub /arten. If you are unsure whether you are looking at a hornet or a wasp, the comparison in «Hornisse oder Wespe?» will help. Where there is a justified risk to health from common or German wasps, we will take care of the professional removal.
Frequently asked questions
Am I allowed to simply have a wasp nest removed?
Yes. With the common wasp or the German wasp, control is permitted where there is a risk to health. Neither species is protected, and both are listed as «least concern» (LC) on the Red List.
Is the hornet protected in Switzerland?
The European hornet does not appear on the list of legally protected species (Annex 3 of the NHV, the Swiss nature conservation ordinance), but it is ecologically beneficial and very shy. We therefore recommend relocation rather than destruction.
Which species must I never control?
Bumblebees and all wild bee species, including the violet carpenter bee, are strictly protected. Controlling them is illegal, and relocation is permitted only with cantonal authorisation.
What should I do if I find an Asian hornet?
Report the sighting immediately via www.asiatischehornisse.ch rather than intervening yourself. As an invasive species it is subject to a reporting obligation, but it enjoys no legal protection.