Hornets are fascinating animals that are often unjustly feared. Not only are they impressively large, they are also invaluable to our ecosystem. And yet they are one of the most misunderstood insects of our time. Ever since one of my keepers nearly scared himself to death when he came across a queen that was probably looking for a suitable nesting site in my roller blind boxes, it's high time to dispel the myths. No kidding, you should have seen his face when I said she was in here by my bed yesterday. I kid you not. What was I supposed to do? Run away?
Let's delve into the exciting world of hornets together and find out why they are so important - and why you should learn to love them.
Origin and biological relationshipe
Hornets belong to the wasp family (Vespidae) and are closely related to wasps, bees and bumblebees. They belong to the order of Hymenoptera. The best-known species in Europe is the European hornet (Vespa crabro), but the Asian hornet (Vespa velutina) is also becoming increasingly widespread in Europe1 Hornets - Wikipedia 🌐 https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hornissen 2 Wasps and hornets - useful and worth protecting 🌐 https://www.laves.niedersachsen.de/startseite/tiere/bienenkunde/wespen-und-hornissen-nutzlich-und-schutzenswert-136152.html .
Distribution
Hornets are widespread in tropical to temperate zones. The European hornet is the only species that occurs naturally in northern and central Europe. Its range extends from the Atlantic to Japan. It was rare in Germany for a long time, but is now found almost everywhere. The Asian hornet is originally native to south-east Asia, but has been spreading in Germany for several years - especially in the south-west and increasingly in other regions3 Hornet - Wikipedia 🌐 https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hornisse 4 The Asian hornet continues to spread in Germany - NABU 🌐 https://www.nabu.de/tiere-und-pflanzen/insekten-und-spinnen/hautfluegler/wespen-und-hornissen/06323.html .
Natural enemies
Due to their size, hornets have hardly any natural enemies. Individual animals can be preyed upon by birds such as the bee-eater or shrews. Parasites such as the bumblebee wax moth can also weaken hornet colonies, especially if the colony is already weakened. In rare cases, hornet colonies also compete with each other5 Gentle giant: a portrait of the European hornet - NABU Berlin 🌐 https://berlin.nabu.de/tiere-und-pflanzen/insekten/arten/hautfluegler/hornissen/28477.html 6 Repel and prevent hornets - Guide - OBI 🌐 https://www.obi.de/magazin/garten/gartengestaltung/hornissen-vertreiben .
Protection status and legal requirements
Hornets are a strictly protected species in Germany. According to the Federal Nature Conservation Act and the Federal Species Protection Ordinance, it is forbidden to kill or trap hornets or to destroy their nests. Anyone who violates this law risks high fines - up to 65,000 euros depending on the federal state! Exceptions are only possible with the authorisation of the responsible nature conservation authority, for example in the case of allergies or if there is a danger to humans7 Species protection; hornet management - Ansbach District Office 🌐 https://www.landkreis-ansbach.de/Themen/Natur-Umwelt/Artenschutz/Hornissenmanagement/ 8 Protect hornets and wasps 🌐 https://www.bund-lemgo.de/Hornissen_und_Wespen_schuetzen.html 9 65,000 euro fine for hornets killed 🌐 https://www.wetter.de/ratgeber/65-000-euro-strafe-fuer-getoetete-hornissen-wann-droht-das-hohe-bussgeld-id4370272.html .
Final judgements
There are documented cases in which the destruction of a hornet's nest has led to fines - around 275 euros for a municipality that removed a nest. In serious cases, significantly higher fines are also possible10 Ohlstadt/Bavaria: 275 euro fine for destroyed hornet's nest 🌐 https://www.merkur.de/lokales/garmisch-partenkirchen/ohlstadt-ort377042/schlag-ins-gesicht-fuer-jeden-naturschuetzer-91903140.html 11 65,000 euro fine for hornets killed 🌐 https://www.wetter.de/ratgeber/65-000-euro-strafe-fuer-getoetete-hornissen-wann-droht-das-hohe-bussgeld-id4370272.html .
What to do if hornets are in the roof?
If hornets are nesting in your roof or house, keep calm! Unauthorised removal is prohibited. Contact the local nature conservation authority or trained hornet advisors. In most cases, the nest can simply be left as hornets are peaceful and leave the nest in autumn anyway. Professional relocation is only possible in cases of real danger or allergies - and you will need a licence for this12 Nature conservation regulations for hornets, wasps, ... 🌐 https://www.unstrut-hainich-kreis.de/fileadmin/Dokumente/Fachdienst%20Bau%20und%20Umwelt/Naturrechtliche_vorschriften_hornissen_Wespen_Bienen_Hummeln.pdf 13 Hornets - Issuing of species protection ... 🌐 https://www.saale-orla-kreis.de/de/dienstleistung/leistung/199/wohnort/21484/zustaendigestellen/68/hornissen_%E2%80%93_erteilung_von_artenschutzrechtlichen_ausnahmegenehmigungen_zur__nestumsiedlung,_nestentfernung.html .
Are hornets dangerous or poisonous?
Hornet stings are painful, but generally harmless to healthy people. Their venom is no more dangerous than that of bees or wasps. The old legend that seven hornet stings can kill a horse is a myth. Only allergy sufferers or those with stings in the mouth and throat are at risk of death - in which case please seek medical help immediately14 Repel and prevent hornets - Guide - OBI 🌐 https://www.obi.de/magazin/garten/gartengestaltung/hornissen-vertreiben 15 or hornet's nest removed: Who bears the costs? 🌐 https://www.dahag.de/c/ratgeber/mietrecht/mietmaengelanzeige/wespen-oder-hornissennest .
What to do in the event of a sting?
- Keep calm!
- Cool the puncture site (e.g. with a cold compress).
- In case of stings in the mouth or throat, call a doctor immediately.
- In case of known allergies: Use emergency kit and seek medical attention.
Only a few people are allergic to hornet venom. For most people, a sting is unpleasant but harmless16 Repel and prevent hornets - Guide - OBI 🌐 https://www.obi.de/magazin/garten/gartengestaltung/hornissen-vertreiben .
How do I keep hornets away from the balcony door?
- Cover food and sweet drinks.
- Do not leave ripe fruit open.
- Attach fly screen.
- Do not blow at hornets or shoo them away frantically - this only makes them nervous.
- Fragrant plants or essential oils (e.g. clove oil, coffee, lemon) can have a deterrent effect, but are no guarantee.
Hornets are hardly interested in human food and are much less intrusive than wasps17 Repel and prevent hornets - Guide - OBI 🌐 https://www.obi.de/magazin/garten/gartengestaltung/hornissen-vertreiben .
How do I get rid of my fear of hornets?
Knowledge helps against fear. Hornets are peaceful and only attack if they or their nest are threatened. Observe them from a safe distance and learn about their fascinating way of life. Their presence is a sign of an intact environment. Anyone who understands how important hornets are will see them with different eyes - and lose their fear18 Hornets: Useful giants - BUND Region Hannover 🌐 https://bund-region-hannover.de/themen/artenschutz/bienen-wespen-co/hornissen-nuetzliche-riesen/ .
The role of hornets in the ecosystem
Hornets are true pest controllers: one colony can kill up to 500 grams of insects such as flies, mosquitoes and pests per day. They thus ensure a natural balance and protect plants from pests. In addition, they themselves are food for other animals and contribute to pollination when they ingest nectar19 Hornets - Wikipedia 🌐 https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hornissen 20 65,000 euro fine for hornets killed 🌐 https://www.wetter.de/ratgeber/65-000-euro-strafe-fuer-getoetete-hornissen-wann-droht-das-hohe-bussgeld-id4370272.html .
Why do we need hornets?
- They keep the insect population in balance.
- They are an important part of the food chain.
- They enrich biodiversity.
Hornets are therefore not only harmless, but also indispensable for nature. Those who protect them protect the web of life from which we all depend.
