### Bricklayer Suffers Dozens of Stings After Disturbing Wasp Nest in Kent Garden
A seasoned bricklayer from Gillingham, Kent, suffered a harrowing ordeal when he inadvertently triggered an attack by hundreds of wasps while working in a customer’s garden. Paul Durso, aged 53, was stung approximately 40 times after disturbing a hidden nest camouflaged within a decaying tree stump, underscoring the potential dangers lurking in even the most familiar of outdoor spaces.
Durso had been engaged in routine landscaping work in the Walderslade area, removing overgrown bushes and preparing the ground for the construction of a new wall. “To begin with, I only noticed the odd one buzzing about,” Durso recalled, describing an initially unremarkable scene. However, the atmosphere quickly escalated as he disturbed the tree trunk, unleashing an estimated 250 wasps in a churning, defensive swarm.
Within seconds, confusion among the insects turned to aggression, and the unprovoked workers became highly coordinated in their attack. “It all happened so quickly,” said Durso, who noted that two wasps became trapped beneath his arm, repeatedly stinging him in a single spot. “I got about 20 stings in one place, and that area even bled and got infected – probably because I scratched at it with dirty nails,” he admitted.
Experts highlight that, unlike bees, wasps are capable of stinging multiple times and will do so rapidly if they perceive their nest is under threat. When a nest’s integrity is disrupted, the insects release chemicals that prompt others to launch a collective defence, often following cues such as scent or heat. What started as a routine job swiftly became a traumatic experience for Durso, emphasising the unpredictable nature of wildlife encounters in domestic settings.
Recounting a similarly unnerving wasp incident that happened in his youth while on a woodland jog, Durso remarked on the increased hazard posed by nests situated close to ground level. “That nest was hidden in such old, brittle wood that even a toddler could have dislodged it,” he said. “If a child had disturbed it, things might have ended up much worse.”
Despite receiving almost four dozen stings, Durso made the decision not to seek hospital treatment. Instead, he managed his symptoms at home using leftover antibiotics and antihistamines, taking the ordeal in good humour and remarking dryly, “I’m tough – tougher than a bear.” Nevertheless, he acknowledged that the outcome could have been dire for someone more vulnerable, such as a child or an individual with allergies.
Durso now hopes his painful encounter will serve as a cautionary tale. He’s keen to remind other householders and gardeners to exercise vigilance around old wood, rotten tree stumps, or any inconspicuous area that could house stinging insects. “I’m not making a fuss or blaming the wasps. They’re just doing what they do,” he commented. “But I do want people to be cautious. Check your gardens. Pay attention before disturbing anything. It’s about being safe, not sorry.”
Despite the incident, Durso expressed no ill will toward his tiny assailants. Rather than attempt to exterminate the wasps or destroy their nest, he left the area undisturbed, choosing instead to let nature run its course. “It’s their home too,” he said. “We need to respect the wildlife around us, even when it’s inconvenient.”
Incidents such as this illustrate the importance of awareness, particularly during warmer months when wasps are most active. Local pest control experts urge householders to consult professionals if they suspect an active nest on their property, and to exercise special caution where pets and children are concerned.
Durso’s story stands as both a personal warning and a reminder of the delicate balance between human activity and the natural world that surrounds us.