Repel Wasps: Safe and Legal

Deterring wasps is a pressing concern for many people, especially during the summer months. Whether at breakfast on the terrace, grilling in the garden, or having coffee on the balcony – wasps can become a real nuisance. However, be careful: most wasp species in Germany are protected by nature conservation laws, and killing or destroying nests can result in hefty fines. In this guide, you'll learn how to deter wasps effectively, safely, and in compliance with the law.

Deterring Wasps: Legal Foundations

Before taking action against wasps, you should understand the legal situation. Wasps in Germany are protected under the Federal Nature Conservation Act (BNatSchG). This means:

• Wild Animals: According to § 39 BNatSchG, it is forbidden to deliberately disturb, catch, injure, or kill wild animals.
• Specially Protected Species: Hornets and certain wasp species are under special protection (§ 44 BNatSchG). Their nests must never be removed without permission.
• Fines: Illegally killing wasps or destroying nests can result in fines of up to €50,000 (up to €65,000 for hornets).
• Exceptions: Relocation or removal of wasp nests is only permitted by certified professionals with official authorization if there is concrete danger (e.g., for allergy sufferers).

Good to know: Of the over 600 wasp species in Germany, only two – the German wasp (Vespula germanica) and the common wasp (Vespula vulgaris) – are considered annoying, as only they are interested in human food.

Understanding Wasps: Why Do They Become Aggressive?

Wasps don't sting without reason. They become aggressive when they feel threatened. Typical triggers are:

• Hectic Movements: Waving, hitting, and blowing trigger a defensive reflex in wasps.
• Nest Approach: Within a radius of 2–3 meters around their nest, wasps react particularly sensitively to disturbances.
• Trapped Wasp: A wasp that becomes trapped under clothing or between fingers will sting reflexively.
• Vibrations: Vibrations at the nest (e.g., from lawn mowing, renovation work) can trigger a mass attack.
• Breath: The CO2 in breathing air irritates wasps, which is why blowing at them is counterproductive.

As a rule: Stay calm, avoid hectic movements, and gently push the wasp aside with a piece of paper. Most encounters with wasps are completely harmless if you remain calm.

Natural Methods to Deter Wasps

There are numerous legal and animal-friendly methods to keep wasps away from your eating area:

Scents That Wasps Avoid

Wasps are sensitive to certain odors that they find unpleasant:

• Lemons with Cloves: Halve a lemon and insert cloves into it. Place it on the table – the scent has a deterrent effect on wasps.
• Burning Coffee: Fill ground coffee into a fireproof bowl and light it. The smoke effectively repels wasps.
• Essential Oils: Citronella, clove, and tea tree oil in a diffuser or spread on cloths can deter wasps.
• Basil and Tomato Plants: The intense scent of these plants keeps wasps at a distance. Place pots on the table or windowsill.

Distraction Feeding

A proven method is so-called distraction feeding: Place a plate with overripe grapes or a piece of ham several meters away from your eating area. Wasps prefer this easily accessible food source and leave your dining table alone. Ideally, start distraction feeding a few days before a planned garden party so the wasps become familiar with the alternative feeding site.

Keeping Wasps Away from Food: Practical Tips

In addition to scents and distraction feeding, simple behavioral rules help keep wasps away while eating outdoors:

• Cover Food and Drinks: Use covers for plates and bowls and drink from containers with lids or use straws.
• Avoid Sweet Foods: When eating outdoors, avoid serving highly sweet desserts, cakes, or jams if possible. If unavoidable, cover them immediately after serving.
• Clear Leftovers Immediately: Remove empty plates and leftovers right away. The fewer odors in the air, the fewer wasps will be attracted.
• Pick Up Fallen Fruit: Rotting fruit in the garden is a wasp magnet. Collect fallen fruit regularly.
• Stay Calm: Avoid hectic movements and blowing. Both make wasps aggressive. Slowly push the wasp aside with a piece of paper.
• Avoid Bright Clothing: Wasps are attracted to bright colors and floral patterns. Wear muted colors when eating outdoors.
• Avoid Perfume: Sweet perfumes, hairsprays, and deodorants can attract wasps.

Wasp Deterrence in the Garden: Structural Measures

In addition to situational tips for outdoor meals, there are structural measures that make the garden less attractive to wasps overall:

• Fruit Trees: Fallen fruit is one of the strongest wasp attractants. Collect fallen fruit daily and dispose of it in closed containers.
• Trash Cans: Place trash cans as far away from seating areas as possible and secure the lids.
• Compost Heap: Cover the compost, especially when disposing of fruit waste.
• Planting: Plant basil, lavender, tomatoes, and geraniums near your seating area. These plants emit scents that wasps find unpleasant.
• Beverages: Use drinking bottles with closures or lids, especially for children. Open drink cans are particularly treacherous because wasps can crawl in unnoticed.

A particular hazard is drink cans and bottles into which wasps can crawl unnoticed. A sting in the mouth or throat area can be life-threatening even for non-allergics, as the swelling can narrow the airways. When eating outdoors, always use drinking vessels you can see into, or use a straw. Children should never drink from open containers outdoors without supervision.

Technical Solutions Against Wasps and Other Flying Insects

For covered areas such as terraces, conservatories, and verandas, technical solutions are available that effectively eliminate insects without chemicals:

Wasp Nest Nearby: What to Do?

If a wasp nest is located near your living area, there are several options:

• Leave the Nest Alone: If the nest is in a rarely frequented location (e.g., under the roof overhang, in the shed), it's best to simply leave it alone. Wasp colonies die off in autumn, and the nest will not be reused.
• Contact a Professional: For nests in frequently used areas (balcony, front door, playground), contact a wasp advisor or pest controller. They can assess the situation and organize relocation if necessary.
• Lower Nature Conservation Authority: For specially protected species such as hornets, permission from the lower nature conservation authority is required before any measures can be taken.

Important: Never attempt to remove a wasp nest yourself. This is not only illegal but also extremely dangerous, as the animals aggressively defend their nest.

Wasps and Allergy Sufferers: Special Caution

For people with a wasp venom allergy, wasp stings can be life-threatening. Allergy sufferers should:

• Always carry an emergency kit (adrenaline auto-injector, antihistamine, cortisone) with them
• Consult with their doctor or allergist about desensitization
• Wear closed shoes outdoors and never go barefoot
• Avoid waste containers outdoors
• Call emergency services (112) immediately if a sting occurs and symptoms such as shortness of breath, dizziness, or swelling in the throat or face area occur

Also read our guide on Mosquito Protection: The Best Remedies for Indoors and Outdoors – mosquito bites can also be problematic for allergy sufferers.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Am I allowed to kill wasps?

No, deliberately killing wasps in Germany is prohibited and can result in a fine of up to €50,000. Destroying nests without permission is also illegal. Only wasp defense by deterrence is permitted – not killing.

How long does a wasp colony live?

A wasp colony exists for only one summer. In spring, an overwintered queen establishes a new colony that grows to 3,000–5,000 individuals over the summer. In autumn, all workers and the old queen die. Only mated young queens survive the winter to found new colonies the following year. The old nest is not reused.

Are wasps useful?

Yes, wasps are important beneficial insects. A single wasp colony catches approximately 3,000 insects per day – including flies, mosquitoes, aphids, and caterpillars. In this way, wasps make a significant contribution to natural pest control. They also pollinate flowers and serve as food for birds and other animals.

What to do after a wasp sting?

Cool the sting site immediately with a cold cloth or ice cubes. A sting healer (electric heat pen) can relieve itching if applied within the first few minutes. Antihistamine gel or cortisone cream reduce swelling and itching. For allergic reactions such as shortness of breath, dizziness, or swelling in the face and throat area, immediately call emergency services (112).

Does spraying wasps with water help?

Spraying individual wasps with a spray bottle can temporarily deter them, as wet wings make flying difficult. However, this is not suitable as a permanent method and can irritate the insects. Preventive measures such as covering food and using natural scents are more effective.

Summary: Deterring Wasps Peacefully and Legally

Wasps are protected beneficial insects that must not be killed. Fortunately, there are numerous legal and effective methods to keep wasps away from your eating area: natural scents such as lemons with cloves or smoldering coffee, distraction feeding at some distance, consistent covering of food and drinks, and technical solutions such as the Swissinno UV Insect Destroyer. For nests near your living area, contact a wasp advisor who can assess the situation and organize relocation if necessary. Always remain calm in encounters with wasps and avoid hectic movements – this prevents most stings.