Bee and bumblebee nests: who can legally help?
By Wespenprofis.ch · Reviewed by:Fachbewilligung Schädlingsbekämpfung VFB-S · Updated: 3 July 2026
At a glance
Bumblebees and wild bees are strictly protected, and treating a nest yourself is illegal. Only a relocation authorised by the canton and carried out by a specialist is permitted, and even then only in genuine exceptional cases. For honeybee swarms, a local beekeeper is usually the right contact rather than a pest control company.
A bumblebee nest in the lawn or a swarm of bees hanging from a branch often looks more threatening than it is — and in most cases it may not be treated at all. Here you will find out who can legally help with protected species.
Why treating the nest is not an option
Bumblebees and all wild bee species are strictly protected under Annex 3 of the Swiss Nature Conservation Ordinance (NHV). Treating them with biocides is illegal, no matter where the nest is located. The honeybee, too, is a farm animal and must not be treated with chemicals. Anyone who takes matters into their own hands risks not only harming a protected species but also legal consequences.
When a relocation is permitted
Relocating bumblebees or wild bees is only permissible with cantonal authorisation, and even then it remains the exception — for example if the nest sits directly beside a busy entrance to a building and there is no way of avoiding it. A specialist will assess whether a relocation is genuinely necessary or whether it is better to sit out the colony’s few active weeks.
Who helps with which species
- Bumblebees and wild bees: a specialist experienced in authorised relocation, see /wespennest-umsiedeln.
- Honeybee swarm: a local beekeeper or beekeeping association, usually the fastest and cheapest solution.
- Violet carpenter bee: a solitary species that nests individually in dead wood — a nesting site should generally not be removed, see /arten/blaue-holzbiene.
How to proceed
- Identify the species beyond doubt, using a photo if in any doubt.
- For honeybees, contact a beekeeper first.
- For bumblebees or wild bees, check whether sitting the nest out is possible.
- If a relocation is unavoidable, call in a specialist with the appropriate authorisation rather than intervening yourself.
For a complete overview of the protection status of every species, see the guide “These species must not be treated” as well as the pillar article “Are wasps and hornets protected?”. You will also find all the species profiles under /arten.
Frequently asked questions
Am I allowed to relocate a bumblebee nest myself?
No. A relocation is only permitted with cantonal authorisation and should be left to a specialist who can carry out the work as gently as possible.
Who collects a swarm of bees?
Usually a local beekeeper or beekeeping association — honeybees are farm animals and are normally moved into a hive free of charge.
How long does it take for a bumblebee nest to be abandoned on its own?
A bumblebee colony is usually only active for a few weeks to a few months and then dies off by itself. It is often worth simply sitting the nest out rather than relocating it.
What if I am not sure whether it is a protected species?
Send us a photo for identification. A protected species that has been misidentified and needlessly disturbed cannot be put right afterwards.