Wild bee drama in Emden: the holidaymaker's daughter bursts into tears!

Wild bee drama in Emden: the holidaymaker's daughter bursts into tears!

You see them often in the summer months: bees and wasps, which buzz in the air and can often be found in the immediate vicinity of bakeries. This is what a 49-year-old vacationer experienced with her nine-year-old daughter in a bakery in Emden, Lower Saxony. The two became aware of a frightening scene: wild bees were dying in a UV trap, which made the woman's daughter cry. A report describes the family's emotional reactions and what followed.

The mother, shocked by the sight, spoke to the staff. But the staff's response was anything but reassuring: they only received a reference to instructions from the central management of the Musswessels bakery chain. The woman was then forced to report the matter to the police because catching, injuring or killing wild bees is prohibited in Lower Saxony. This is not a minor offense; The penalties can be up to 50,000 euros or, in the worst case, lead to a prison sentence of up to five years.

Investigations initiated

The police have already started an investigation to shed more light on the incident. According to Musswessels' sales manager, Sascha Beyer, problems with wasps are a common issue in the summer months. Many customers are demanding stricter measures. The UV tube used in the Emden branch was installed primarily to drive away fruit flies. Even if such devices are permitted in the food sector, protected species such as wild bees must be protected. Musswessels contacted the pest control provider following the incident and will take steps to avoid the problem in the future.

The importance of protecting insects is shown not only in this individual case, but also in the context of general animal protection law. In Lower Saxony, according to the Bussgeldkatolog, it is also forbidden to remove wasps or their nests without a reasonable reason. Particularly protected species, such as gyro wasps and buttonhorn wasps, enjoy stricter protection because they are not only useful and control pests, but also play an essential role as pollinators.

Protective measures and responsibility

The current regulations for the protection of wild bees and wasps have been anchored in the Federal Nature Conservation Act since 1976. In Lower Saxony, around 1,700 species are specially or strictly protected. Police and conservation authorities take these laws very seriously to ensure the survival of these endangered species so that those around them can continue to benefit from important ecological services.

Prevention measures against wasps are still advisable: food should be covered and leftover food should be disposed of immediately. Fly screens on windows and staying calm when a wasp approaches can also help. Protecting insects is a priority, but understanding the usefulness of these animals is also important. Professionals can be consulted for wasp nest problems.

The incidents in the Emden bakery are an urgent appeal to everyone to treat nature responsibly and not to carelessly endanger protected species. Because as a wise saying goes: “A good horse only jumps as high as it has to.” It is our responsibility to protect not only our own appetites, but also the environment.