🐝 Wasps and hornets in the Czech Republic – species, nests, behavior and safe removal

Wasps and hornets are among the insects we encounter every summer in the Czech Republic. Although they play an important role in nature – they eliminate pests and pollinate plants – they can pose a serious danger near people.

Wasp elimination, hornet elimination or wasp nest removal is therefore necessary in many cases, especially if the nest is located in a house, in the attic or in garden buildings, or threatens children or allergy sufferers, for example.

📌 What types of wasps and hornets are found in Czech Republic

In the Czech Republic, you will mainly encounter the following species:

• Common wasp (Vespula vulgaris) – 🟠 medium risk – black and yellow stripes, it is quite aggressive when defending the nest, common in cities and in the countryside. Wasps most often build their nests in the ground – in forests, along roads, near banks or in cavities above the ground. More than 12,000 individuals can live in one colony. In the spring, the fertilized queen awakens, finds a suitable place, builds the first cells and lays eggs. As soon as the first workers hatch, they take over the care of the nest and the queen focuses only on laying eggs.
• German wasp (Vespula germanica) – 🔴 high risk – very similar to the common wasp, it has a different arrangement of black spots on its head. This species is quite aggressive. Their nests are often very numerous, so there is a much greater chance of encountering them near them. If you do not attack the nest directly, only the guards will intervene first. However, they quickly release an alarm pheromone, which immediately calls for reinforcements. At that moment, you can become the target of a coordinated attack and the wasps can chase you for a considerable distance. It often requires professional wasp extermination.
• Common hornet (Vespa crabro) – 🟠 medium risk – larger than common wasps (18–35 mm) and differently colored: yellow, black-brown and brick. It builds an oval nest of "paper pulp" (a mixture of saliva and crushed wood) most often in tree cavities, it can be up to 80 cm in diameter. Colonies usually have around 1700 individuals and defend their territory very vigorously. Workers and queens have strong mandibles and stings with painful venom, they can sting repeatedly. An attack can be dangerous for humans, especially if you have allergies. Requires professional intervention against hornets.
• Medium hornet (Dolichovespula media) – 🟢 low risk – a large species of wasp with an appearance slightly similar to the common hornet, widespread throughout Europe and Asia. It is one of the non-aggressive and rarer species, therefore it stings only exceptionally. The queen measures 18–22 mm, the worker 13–19 mm and the male 15–19 mm. It is very variable in color, often confused with the forest wasp. Typical features include an elongated head, red to ochre hind legs, a black chest with red and yellow markings, brown wings and a hornet-like rump. It often nests in treetops.
• Asian hornet (Vespa velutina) – 🔴 high risk – since 2023, rarely confirmed in the Czech Republic. Highly aggressive invasive species. It mainly hunts bees, which can make up up to two-thirds of the nest's food. Attacks on beehives are fatal for bees, because European species cannot defend themselves. This poses a threat to beekeepers and pollination in nature. It is dangerous for humans due to its strong venom, ability to sting repeatedly and frequent group attacks. It pursues at great distances. The risk of serious injuries or anaphylactic shock is high.
• Other species – 🟢 low risk – such as the wood wasp, rock wasp or Saxon wasp – occur less frequently than the common common wasp, but they are also equipped with a stinger connected to a venom gland. Under normal circumstances, they are not particularly aggressive, they can react dangerously if the nest is carelessly disturbed or threatened.

🏠 Where wasps and hornets build their nests

A wasp nest or hornet nest is made of a paper-like material – it is made of crushed wood mixed with saliva.

The most common nest locations we deal with:

• attic spaces (wasp nest in the attic)
• roof undercuts and eaves, cracks in the facade
• tree cavities (or the nest may be in a stump)
• sheds, pergolas, gazebos, woodsheds
• earth burrows (wasp nest in the ground)
• near homes (hornets nest near the house)

The size of the nest depends on the species and age of the colony - from a few centimeters to more than 80 cm. Large nests can contain hundreds to thousands of individuals.

🐝 Wasp and hornet behavior

Defending the nest - they are calm if they do not feel threatened. However, they immediately attack if the nest area is encroached upon.

• Multiple stings - unlike bees, wasps and hornets can sting repeatedly.
• Food – adults seek out sweet juices and nectar, larvae need protein.
• Daily activity – active mainly during the day, resting in the nest at night.

⚠️ Why is it dangerous to remove a nest yourself?

Attempting to remove a wasp nest or hornet nest without experience can lead to dozens of stings.

Risks include:

• severe allergic reaction
• attack by a large number of wasps or hornets
• fall while working on a roof or ladder
• insufficient removal, after which the insects return

🔨 Professional wasp and hornet removal

• Experts use insecticidal foams and sprays with a fast knock-down effect and residual protection.
• Advantages of professional intervention:
• Safe removal of wasps and hornets