Hornet nest found — what now?
By Wespenprofis.ch · Reviewed by:Fachbewilligung Schädlingsbekämpfung VFB-S · Updated: 3 July 2026
At a glance
Despite their size, hornets are shy and useful in the garden because they prey on large numbers of pest insects. Keep your distance, leave the nest undisturbed and ask a licensed professional whether relocation is possible instead of removal. If you suspect the invasive Asian hornet, you are legally obliged to report it.
Why hornets need a different approach
Because of the size of the insects and their loud buzzing, a hornet nest often looks far more threatening than it actually is. European hornets are shy despite their size and avoid confrontation as long as the nest is not disturbed directly. They are also ecologically valuable: over the summer, a single colony catches large quantities of flies, mosquitoes and other pest insects. For these reasons, and unlike with many wasp nests, the first step with a hornet nest is to check whether relocation is possible instead of removal — not least because the European hornet is considered worth protecting in many cantons.
What you should do straight away
- Stay calm and keep several metres away from the nest.
- Do not disturb the nest, do not tap on it and do not block the entrance hole.
- Look closely at the insects: almost black with an orange band points to the Asian hornet, which must be reported.
- If you suspect the Asian hornet, report the sighting immediately via www.asiatischehornisse.ch.
- Call in a licensed professional (/hornissennest-entfernen) to assess whether relocation is possible.
Good to know
If the nest is away from paths and is not bothering anyone, it can — as with many wasp nests — be left until the colony dies off naturally in autumn, since a colony only lives for one season and an old nest is never recolonised. Close to living areas, or where someone has an insect venom allergy, acting quickly does make sense. Our guides Hornet or wasp? and Identifying and reporting the Asian hornet show you how to tell the European hornet apart from the Asian hornet and from wasps. For the general rules on what to do when you find a nest, see Wasp nest found — what to do.
Frequently asked questions
Is a hornet nest more dangerous than a wasp nest?
Not as a rule. Hornets are larger and their sting hurts more, but they are considered far less aggressive than wasps and usually only attack when the nest itself is directly threatened.
Does a hornet nest have to be removed?
Not necessarily. If the nest is away from paths and doorways, it can often stay until the colony dies off naturally in autumn. Close to living areas, a licensed professional will assess whether relocation makes more sense than removal.
How do I tell whether it is the Asian hornet, which must be reported?
The Asian hornet is almost entirely black with an orange band on the abdomen and yellow leg tips, whereas the native European hornet is reddish-brown and yellow. Our guide on identifying and reporting the Asian hornet covers the details.