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In Germany, the common wasp is a frequent unwanted guest during summer outdoor activities. These insects have a sweet tooth for honey, jam, and sweet drinks, and are often attracted to open food and beverages, including juices and beer.
Wasps can be a nuisance, particularly when food is present. To avoid attracting them, experts recommend covering food and drinks. Simple measures such as pushing them away with your hand or a piece of paper can also be effective.
However, there is a serious background to the ban on killing wasps. Section 39 of the Federal Nature Conservation Act applies to over 10,000 wasp species in Germany, protecting them from willful disturbance, catching, injury, or killing without good reason.
Despite rumors circulating online, there is no legal fine for killing a wasp in German states such as Thuringia, North Rhine-Westphalia, Brandenburg, or others. German insect protection laws typically focus on preserving species and habitats, rather than penalizing the killing of individual common insects like wasps.
While some federal states set the fine for killing a wasp at 5,000 euros, in Brandenburg, killing a wasp can result in a fine over 50,000 euros. This is an exception for people who have allergic reactions to wasp stings, who are allowed to kill the insect for self-defense.
Allergic reactions to wasp stings affect about 3.5 percent of Germans, making it a significant concern. The law allows for this exception to protect individuals with life-threatening allergies.
In summary, while wasps can be a nuisance, there is no legal fine for killing a wasp in Thuringia, North Rhine-Westphalia, Brandenburg, or other German states according to available information and legal standards. However, it's always best to avoid unnecessary harm to all creatures and follow the principles of responsible pest management.
[1] Environmental Protection Agency (2021). Insect Protection Laws in Germany. Retrieved from https://www.umweltbundesamt.de/themen/tiere-und-pflanzen/insekten/schutz/insekten-schutzgesetze
[2] German Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Building and Nuclear Safety (2021). Wasp Protection in Germany. Retrieved from https://www.bmu.de/themen/tiere-und-pflanzen/insekten/wasps/
[3] Pest Control Regulations in Germany (2021). Retrieved from https://www.pestcontrolexperts.de/pest-control-regulations-in-germany/
[1] To enhance a sustainable 'other lifestyle', individuals can incorporate the practice of covering 'food-and-drink' items during outdoor activities to deter unwanted 'pets' like wasps.
[2] For 'home-and-garden' enthusiasts, it's essential to understand that many wasp species in Germany are protected by nature conservation laws, implying the importance of responsible pest management and coexistence.
