5 of the Most Painful Insect Stings in the World

Every parent wants to protect their children and we’re ready to do whatever we can in order to avoid seeing them getting hurt. But there are some dangers that are more painful than others. And the problem is some of them seem quite small until they actually set forth events we will never forget as parents. As a pest control expert in Melbourne, I feel it’s my responsibility to warn you about some of the most painful insect stings in the world.

Justin O. Schmidt

First off, I would like to talk about this guy. Over his career as an entomologist he’s been stung by over 150 different species of insects, which lead to the creation of the Schmidt sting pain index. This guy got stung for a living. If that’s not self-sacrifice in the name of science, I don’t know what is.

The Schmidt sting pain index is a purely subjective scale of pain from 0 to 4, but the descriptions of some stings are so graphic in nature I’m fully prepared to trust a guy who dedicated his life to getting stung. Besides, who wants to be stung by anything, let alone among the most painful in the world? So without further ado, let’s delve into 5 of the most painful stings in the world.

5: Fire Ant

Schmidt pain level: 1.2

Habitat: One of the most invasive types of pest in Australia, the States, China, and weirdly enough - the Philippines.

General information: The fire ant bite is not particularly painful on its own. However, their bite contains a toxin which is highly poisonous in large quantities, and the way these small buggers usually operate, you won’t get stung by a single one. Imagine how painful a papercut is. And now imagine how painful it would be to get 10 or more at the same time. Yes, it is possible (and even probable) since the fire ant usually acts in great numbers.

4: Red Harvester Ant

Schmidt pain level: 3.0

Habitat: Mainly found in the U.S., 7 types alone found in Texas, so Texans beware!

General information: Most people admire how ingeniously industrious most ants are. Well, red harvester ants are among the most industrious species, but if you think these workers are easy prey, better think again. Their sting is so painful, it can make a grown man cry. The pain is bold and unrelenting. Schmidt describes it in an a lot more graphic manner, but I prefer not to share it. It’s not pretty.

3: Paper Wasp

Schmidt pain level: 3.0

Habitat: All over the world, except maybe Antarctica

General information: Making their nests out of wood fiber and their own saliva, these little buggers can live almost anywhere, as long as they can find celulose to build their miniature homes. If you think you might be seeing a nest of paper wasps in your home, it’s better to stay away. Call professional pest control operatives to deal with them. Of course, you can always try to solve the problem on your own. Just remember the pain is caustic, burning, and intense, and it leaves a distinct bitter aftertaste.

2: Tarantula Hawk Wasp

Schmidt pain level: 4.0

Habitat: Most common in South America, but can be found in other places, including Asia, Australia, and North America

General information: The tarantula hawk is nature’s way of saying "the only reason you’re still breathing is because I allow it!" These wasps can easily scare you to death with their ominous buzz and intimidating size. They derive their name from one of their favourite pastimes - hunting and killing tarantulas. Their sting causes excruciating and agonising pain. The only reason they’re not top of the list is the longevity of the pain - thankfully, it doesn’t last very long.

1: Bullet Ant

Schmidt pain level: 4.0

Habitat: Central America (unfortunate for them, but quite fortunate for the rest of the world)

General information: Bullet ants are not going to intimidate you. Even though they’re relatively big for ants, they’re still tiny insects, wrapped in a little exoskeleton. However, they still have the most pain sting in the world. It’s categorised as pure, unmitigated pain which can last from 12 to 24 hours! They derive their name from the fact that their sting has been compared to a gunshot wound. The bullet ants are extremely aggressive and would bite even if you breath on them. Little living pieces of evil wrapped in a malicious exoskeleton.

Conclusion

These are the top five most painful stings in the world. How it’s possible for something so small to hurt so much is beyond me. Let’s just hope none of us have to face any of these insects in a dark room.

Alexander Crawley is a pest control expert by day and a passionate blogger by night.