"Wasp Nest Threat: Find Out How to Safely Handle It When There's Risk Involved"

In the bustling city of Munich, the arrival of summer often brings a potential problem for tenants and landlords alike - wasp and hornet nests. These protected species, under federal nature conservation law, can pose a threat to allergy sufferers and those living in close proximity.

Andreas Thieme, a local expert, sheds light on the issue. The costs for removing a wasp or hornet nest typically range between 150 and 250 euros. However, the responsible party for these costs is usually the property owner or tenant involved, depending on the tenancy or property situation.

If a nest is present in an apartment and there's an allergy sufferer, it can indeed be dangerous. In such cases, the landlord must engage professionals for nest removal. Monika Schmid-Balzert, deputy managing director of the DMB Munich Tenants' Association, advises reporting a hornet or wasp nest to the landlord or property management as soon as possible.

The decision on whether a nest should be relocated or removed is usually made by the nature conservation authority. In the case of an acute health risk, tenants may have a wasp nest removed by the fire brigade, with the landlord paying the costs.

If the nest is not removed, the tenant can pay rent provisionally. However, attempting to remove a nest oneself is forbidden and may result in attack by the animals. Reducing rent without consulting a legal advisor could lead to the termination of the tenancy.

Tenants may discuss measures to prevent insect infestation with the landlord, such as insect screens on windows and doors. By working together, tenants and landlords can ensure a safer and more comfortable living environment for all. It's important to remember that both hornets and wasps are protected species, and their nests should not be removed without official permission from the nature conservation authority.