Overview

• A mild winter and damp spring fueled record wasp populations this summer, leading to frequent encounters at outdoor tables and balconies
• Under §39 of the Bundesnaturschutzgesetz, wasps and their nests are fully protected and may only be removed by certified experts with special permits
• Experts recommend lightly spraying wasps with water to mimic rain, which sends them back to their nests without harm
• Covering food, offering distant distraction feeds and deploying strong scents such as basil, citronella or anti-mosquito candles help keep wasps away from people
• Hornets, which prey on common wasp species and do not seek human food, provide natural control while remaining protected themselves