Not only is killing the flying insects taboo, setting up wasp traps – glasses filled with beer, syrup or juice – is also a no-go. “The wasps slowly and painfully drown in these traps. Destroying wasp nests is also prohibited,” says Lindenschmidt. According to the catalog of fines, catching, injuring or killing a wasp without good reason can cost up to 65,000 euros in fines, depending on the federal state. “Wasps make a valuable contribution to the ecosystem and, like bees, help pollinate plants. They also eat up pests in the garden,” says the biologist.
Anyone who is bothered by the insects can drive them away or lure them away with animal-friendly scents. If you don’t mind the smell, put a bowl of freshly chopped garlic or cloves and lemons at the table. Lit, smoldering coffee powder also keeps the insects at a distance. But sometimes everything is useless. «If the wasps are too bad, you should go inside to eat. Otherwise, put away leftover food immediately after eating and always cover drinks well,” recommends Eva Lindenschmidt.
Wasps don’t like rain. It can therefore help to carry a spray bottle with pure tap water with you. “If the insects are too penetrating, you can spray a bit with the bottle. It doesn’t harm the wasps. The fine fog also suggests to the animals that it could rain soon. They then fly back to their nest to seek shelter,” Eva Lindenschmidt explains the trick.
Otherwise, the expert recommends checking exactly what you have on your fork when eating outdoors and simply tolerating the animals until the end of the season. «The days of the wasps are numbered. In August, the wasp colonies reach their maximum size. In the next few weeks almost all wasps will die and only the queens will retire for the winter. Until they found new colonies next spring,” explains biologist Lindenschmidt.
Eva Lindenschmidt is available for interviews.