Asian Hornet Nest Removal: A Growing Financial Burden for Homeowners – and How to Get Help
Discovering an Asian hornet nest under your roof overhang can be a stressful experience. Quotes for professional removal currently range from €150 to €300 in France, with typical costs around €102 for nests less than 5 meters high and €130 to €200 for those between 5 and 15 meters. But this expense doesn’t have to be a certainty.
Across many areas, local aid schemes can significantly reduce, or even eliminate, your out-of-pocket costs – provided you follow the official procedures. Understanding the steps and required documentation is key. However, it’s important to note that these schemes vary by location, have eligibility criteria, and operate on specific timelines (with some forms reopening on March 1st).
Where to Find Full Coverage: Municipalities, Departments, and Green Funds
For example, the municipality of Saint-Amé (Vosges) fully reimburses the cost of Asian hornet nest destruction for residents. “The Municipal Council voted on December 11, 2025, to fully cover the costs of destroying Asian hornet nests found on the property of residents (owners or tenants),” states the Saint-Amé Municipality. To qualify, the nest must be reported on LeFrelon.com, the removal carried out by a professional, and the reimbursement application submitted with the necessary documents (invoice, proof of address, bank details).
Saint-Amé isn’t alone. In Presle (Savoie), the municipality and community of communes cover 100% of the costs, leaving residents with nothing to pay. In the Orne department, municipalities offer coverage ranging from 17% to 100%, with certain limits. The Departmental Council of the Somme finances 50% of the total cost, capped at €80, which can be combined with other assistance. Several inter-municipal organizations also provide additional support (Seine-Eure: up to €80 per nest). At the regional level, the FREDON Bourgogne–Franche-Comté utilizes the Fonds Vert (Green Fund): €50 per nest, up to €100 in the Jura. Forms for 2025 are expected to reopen on March 1st, 2026.
The Official Method for Maximizing Coverage
The most effective approach involves four key steps. First, immediately report the nest to your local municipality or a collective fighting platform (LeFrelon.com, FrelonAsiatique61.fr, Frelonsasiatiques.fr). A representative will then verify the species and accessibility. Only then should you choose an approved, certified company provided by the local authority – this is often a requirement for receiving aid and avoiding rejection of your claim.
Next, compile a complete application as soon as you receive the invoice: recent proof of address, bank details, identification, a photo of the nest, and potentially a property tax notice. A crucial tip: avoid contacting the first pest control company you find online. One resident paid €250 outside of the official channels and had their claim denied. Had they followed the proper reporting procedure, the intervention could have been fully covered by the municipality or inter-municipal organization.
No Local Aid? Home Insurance and Useful Precautions
If no local aid is available, check your home insurance policy. Many now include “pest” or “emergency assistance” coverage that sends a pest control professional and covers all or part of the costs, sometimes with a deductible. This can serve as a safety net when municipal, inter-municipal, and departmental assistance is unavailable or insufficient.
To remain eligible for assistance, ensure the nest belongs to the Asian hornet: a black abdomen marked with a wide orange band, yellow-tipped legs, and an orange-colored face. And, importantly, do not approach the nest yourself. “Do not attempt to intervene on a nest alone,” warns the Saint-Amé Municipality. Report it, have it treated by an approved professional, keep all documentation, and stay informed about schemes reopening from March 1st, 2026.
FAQ
Q: What is the typical cost of Asian hornet nest removal?
A: Costs range from €150 to €300, with averages around €102 for lower nests and €130-€200 for higher ones.
Q: Where can I report an Asian hornet nest?
A: Report it to your local municipality or through platforms like LeFrelon.com, FrelonAsiatique61.fr, or Frelonsasiatiques.fr.
Q: What documents do I require for reimbursement?
A: You’ll typically need an invoice, proof of address, bank details, identification, and a photo of the nest.
Q: Can my home insurance cover the cost?
A: Many policies include pest or emergency assistance coverage that may cover some or all of the costs.
