Bumblebee nest in your house or garden — what is allowed?
By Wespenprofis.ch · Reviewed by:Fachbewilligung Schädlingsbekämpfung VFB-S · Updated: 3 July 2026
At a glance
Bumblebees are strictly protected under Annex 3 of the Swiss Nature Conservation Ordinance — killing them is illegal. A bumblebee nest is normally only active for a single summer and is then abandoned by the colony itself. Relocation is permitted only in an emergency and only by a specialist holding a cantonal permit.
A nest full of bumblebees in the compost heap, under the garden shed or in the lawn feels unsettling to many people — yet bumblebees are not only remarkably peaceful, they are also strictly protected. Removing a nest yourself is therefore not an option.
Why bumblebees are strictly protected
Bumblebees are strictly protected under Annex 3 of the Swiss Ordinance on the Protection of Nature and Cultural Heritage (NHV). As important pollinators — particularly in cooler weather and for many wild plants as well as crops such as tomatoes — they play a key ecological role. Several species are also listed as threatened on the Red List. Treating them with biocides or destroying a nest on your own initiative is prohibited by law.
What you are allowed to do about a bumblebee nest
In the vast majority of cases it is enough to simply leave the nest alone and keep a reasonable distance. Bumblebees barely defend their nest aggressively and rarely affect more than a small area. Because a bumblebee colony only exists for a single summer, the problem usually resolves itself: from late summer onwards the workers and the old queen die off, and only the young queens overwinter individually and found a new nest elsewhere the following year.
When relocation is an option
Only in genuine exceptional cases — for example a diagnosed insect venom allergy in the household, or a nest directly blocking essential access such as a front door — is relocation an option. It may only be carried out under a cantonal permit and by a specialist with the relevant experience, so that the colony survives the procedure. In such an emergency, contact the responsible cantonal nature conservation office or get in touch with us — we will advise you on the legally permissible approach.
Confusion with wasps and bees
Because of their size and hairiness, bumblebees are occasionally mistaken for the honey bee or for furry wasp queens. You will find a comparison of the key features in our guide “Wasp or bee? The quick comparison” and under /arten. A complete overview of all native species is provided by the pillar guide “Identifying Switzerland’s wasp species”.
Frequently asked questions
Am I allowed to remove a bumblebee nest myself?
No. Bumblebees are strictly protected. Treating them with biocides or removing the nest on your own initiative is prohibited by law and can result in a fine.
How long does a bumblebee nest stay active?
As a rule, only one summer. From late summer onwards most workers and the old queen die off; only the mated young queens overwinter and found a new nest elsewhere the following year.
Are bumblebees aggressive?
No, bumblebees are considered very peaceful and only sting if their nest is directly threatened. At a normal distance they pose no danger.