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Hornets on the rise: Discover and relocate nests now!
Hornet discovery in Passau: Experts warn about nests, provide tips for relocation and emphasize their protection status.
Hornets on the rise: Discover and relocate nests now!
There is currently a lot to observe in Bavaria when it comes to the local wildlife. The hornet in particular is in focus because its nests should now be kept an eye on. How BR.de reports, Karl Haberzettl from the Federal Nature Conservation Association recently discovered a queen hornet in a felt hat in Passau. This queen has already started laying eggs in honeycombs and will create a large nest of up to 600 hornets in the coming weeks.
The perfect time to relocate a hornet's nest is now; the nest is currently the size of a tennis ball. Hornets like to nest in dark and protected corners, such as roller shutter boxes. If you discover a hornet's nest, it is important to contact the Lower Nature Conservation Authority. Catching or killing a queen hornet is prohibited under the Federal Nature Conservation Act and can be punished with a fine of up to 50,000 euros.
Caution and relocation
By the way, Haberzettl has received official permission from the government in Lower Bavaria to capture the queen hornet. He uses a jam jar with a perforated lid to attract the queen, because hornets follow the light. However, it is important to know that hornets, which are active both during the day and at night, can react nervously to shocks or hectic movements.
In addition, these insects produce black excrement that has a strong smell and can leak from the nest. The nest will eventually be relocated to a barn about five kilometers from the original location, where it can remain undisturbed. Haberzettl highlights the important role of hornets in biodiversity and compares their function to a spider web - removing it could endanger the entire ecosystem.
Legal regulations and biodiversity
The native hornet is a particularly protected species. As on the website of State of Schleswig-Holstein can be read, hornets as well as bumblebees and wild bees are particularly protected according to Section 7 Paragraph 2 No. 13 BNatSchG. Trapping, killing and destroying nests of these species is prohibited by law and in the event of conflict, a nest may only be removed with the permission of the relevant authority.
The State Office for the Environment in Schleswig-Holstein issues exemptions after examining the matter. The protection of these species is important because many wild bee species live alone, while hornets and bumblebees are colony-forming insects.
Do you know the hornet?
Despite all the caution, the public should also be well informed. Loud Federal Nature Conservation Association Although hornets are insects with a poisonous stinger, their poison is no more dangerous than that of bees or wasps. Stings can be painful, but usually only result in swelling and redness that resolve quickly. Anyone who has an allergic reaction should be particularly careful, as allergic reactions to the protein in hornet venom can occur, even if a bee venom allergy does not automatically mean that you are also allergic to hornets.
Given all this information, it is important to be careful with our nature and especially with hornets. These fascinating insects contribute significantly to biological diversity - and for this they should be valued and protected.