The Lower Nature Conservation Authority of the City of Salzgitter has published a flyer "Wasps, Hornets and Co", which not only describes what to do if the animals become too annoying and sometimes dangerous, but also provides addresses of experts who can help in an emergency.

The flyer is available for download at the bottom of this page and can be obtained free of charge from the Environment Department at the town hall in Lebenstedt.

The Lower Nature Conservation Authority asks citizens, if possible, to only commission specialists to remove wasp or hornet nests. This is because hornets, all native bumblebees and (wild) bee species as well as some completely harmless digger wasps and leaf wasps are among the animal species specially protected by nature conservation law. They may only be relocated or killed in justified exceptional cases after a special permit has been issued. The nature conservation authority is responsible for issuing such a permit.

All other wasp species - including the sometimes annoying representatives - are subject to the general protection of the Lower Saxony Nature Conservation Act: Their removal does not require a permit, but their nests may not be damaged or destroyed without reasonable cause.

As the individual species can sometimes only be distinguished by experts, in cases of doubt an assessment should be carried out by an employee of the lower nature conservation authority. A decision can then be made on the necessity or practicality of relocation or removal. The fire department is not responsible for the removal of wasp nests.

The contact persons at the lower nature conservation authority can be reached on 05341/ 839-3695 and -3421 or by e-mail: kerstin.haempkestadt.salzgitterde and moritz.mocekstadt.salzgitterde.