A wasp nest on the house usually requires professional help – removing it yourself is prohibited. Special operations can be expensive. Will insurance cover it?
If the nests are in particularly difficult to reach or dangerous places on the house or under the roof, where normal ladders or scaffolding are not sufficient, it may even be necessary to use a crane. Such operations are rare, but they do occur.
The costs for such a special operation can be considerably higher than for a normal removal. However, in some cases, the building insurance may cover the costs. The Homeowners’ Association for Housing (WiE) points this out.
As a rule, the costs of removing a wasp or bee nest must be borne by the owner or tenant. So if you cannot avoid relocation or removal, you should check your own insurance documents, advises WiE board member Sandra von Möller.
Some home insurance policies offer special home and apartment protection policies that cover the removal of wasp and hornet nests as well as beehives up to 300 euros per claim. In rented apartments, the landlord is responsible for removing them, as a wasp nest is considered a defect in the rental property.
If the contract does not contain a corresponding clause, including one could be worthwhile, especially for those who frequently have problems with wasp, bee or hornet nests, Sandra von Möller continues.
If the use of special equipment such as a crane or a work platform is necessary, the costs can be considerably higher than for normal professional removal.
Standard costs for removing a wasp nest are between 50 and 150 euros, but for nests that are difficult to access, the cost can be up to 250 euros. Using a crane or scaffolding is significantly more expensive. It can be assumed that the costs in such cases can amount to several hundred euros.
The exact costs depend on the size and type of crane required, the duration of the job, the level of difficulty and any additional safety measures, such as the closure of footpaths or roads.
It is definitely advisable to obtain several quotes before undertaking such a complex operation and to clarify with your insurance company whether the costs can be covered. The consumer advice center generally recommends calling in a pest control expert. This will also protect you from dubious pest controllers who charge a lot of money to remove wasp nests.
