Wasp nest at your neighbour's — what to do?
By Wespenprofis.ch · Reviewed by:Fachbewilligung Schädlingsbekämpfung VFB-S · Updated: 3 July 2026
At a glance
You are not allowed to have a wasp nest on a neighbouring property removed yourself, because it is not your property. Raise the subject with your neighbour in a friendly way, especially if there is a risk to health. If you cannot agree, or if nothing happens, a mediated conversation or a neutral specialist who assesses the situation objectively often helps.
The nest is not on your property, but the wasps are constantly flying over the garden fence? The situation is unpleasant, but in most cases it can be resolved with a little communication.
Why you cannot simply act
A wasp nest on a neighbouring property is not your responsibility — without consent you may neither intervene yourself nor instruct a professional firm to do so. Responsibility lies with the owner of the property on which the nest is located.
Starting the conversation
The simplest and usually most successful route is a friendly, direct conversation. Explain specifically why you are concerned — for example because a child in your household has an allergy, or because the wasps regularly land on your terrace. Many neighbours are not even aware of the situation, or do not know how to proceed.
When you cannot reach an agreement
If there is no response, it often helps to point to a neutral specialist: a free initial consultation with a pest control firm provides clarity about the actual level of danger and takes the emotion out of the subject. If the disagreement persists, the local council or a conciliation authority can also mediate.
What you can do in the meantime
- Keep your distance from the nest and inform children accordingly.
- Keep windows facing the nest closed where necessary.
- Avoid sweet food and open drinks in the garden to keep additional wasps away.
- If there is acute danger — for example right next to a shared path — pursue the conversation firmly, but factually.
Further information on the legal position can be found in the pillar article «Are wasps and hornets protected?», and on the question of responsibility in a tenancy under Wasp nest in a rented flat — who pays?.
Frequently asked questions
Am I allowed to remove the nest at my neighbour's myself?
No. Without your neighbour's consent you may not intervene on their property. Speak to them directly, or inform them about the situation in writing.
What if my neighbour does not respond?
If there is no response and a genuine risk to health exists — for example if someone in your household is allergic — a clarifying conversation involving the local council or a neutral specialist can help.
Who pays if the nest at my neighbour's is removed?
In principle the owner of the property on which the nest is located. A shared contribution to the costs can be agreed amicably on a case-by-case basis.