Pain is relative. A paper cut might leave one person wincing while someone else barely notices. That’s why ranking the most painful insect stings can be tricky. Few people are willing to get stung just to compare the pain, but entomologist Justin O. Schmidt did exactly that.
Schmidt created what’s now known as the Schmidt Pain Index — a scale that ranks the pain of insect stings from 0 to 4. Over his career, he allowed himself to be stung by 150 different species, documenting the experience to help others learn which are the most painful insect bites and stings.
This page covers five of the most painful insect stings identified through Schmidt’s research. The index helps make sense of these intense experiences, with 0 meaning no pain and 4 being almost unbearable. Though not at the top, honey bees are shown on the comparison chart to help provide context.
You don’t need to test these stings yourself. If you’re seeing wasps or think you may need professional wasp control, don’t take chances. Reach out to us at Western; we’re here to help.
The deadliest insect sting doesn’t always mean the most painful, but in some cases, it can be both. Some insects have venom that can cause serious reactions in people, while others are known for how much their stings hurt. On this page, we’re looking at stings that rank high on the pain scale — including the most painful sting in the world — and may also lead to allergic reactions or other medical issues. If you’re worried about any symptoms following an insect sting or bite, seek medical assistance immediately.
The least painful on this list, but still not exactly pleasant, is the paper wasp sting. Schmidt described it as “Caustic and burning. Distinctly bitter aftertaste. Like spilling a beaker of hydrochloric acid on a paper cut.”
Paper wasps are named for the material with which they build their nests. Because they feed on insects like caterpillars and use fiber from plant stems to build nests, they can often be found in environments containing plants. Paper wasp nests may contain as many as 30 adult wasps.
“After eight unrelenting hours of drilling into that ingrown toenail, you find the drill is wedged in the toe.” With a description like that, you’d think surely it doesn’t get much worse. But you’d be mistaken. This is only number four on the list!
Red harvester ants are reluctant to sting, but when they do, it may cause medical concerns. Their nests are often located in open areas and resemble a flat, circular patch in the soil.
Being stung by the warrior wasp had Schmidt wondering why he started this endeavor in the first place. He referred to the sting as “Torture. You are chained in the flow of an active volcano.” Little did he know, there was worse pain to come. This wasp is very large, at over two inches, with jaws longer than its front legs. Fortunately for us, this insect is predominantly found in South and Central America.
Rated at the top of the scale (4.0), but still not the most painful sting, the tarantula hawk wasp sting is the most painful wasp sting on the scale. Schmidt called it “Blinding, fierce, shockingly electric. A running hair dryer has been dropped into your bubble bath. A bolt out of the heavens. Lie down and scream.”
Sometimes referred to as “spider wasps,” tarantula hawks grow up to two inches in length, and the bright color of their wings acts as a warning to any potential predators. By nature, tarantula hawks are not aggressive to humans. Tarantulas have greater reason to fear. Female tarantula hawks will paralyze the spider and proceed to lay an egg on its abdomen. The newly-hatched larva will then feed on the immobile spider. In the United States, tarantula hawks are primarily found in desert regions.
Last but not least, we have the most painful sting of all: the bullet ant sting. Schmidt describes the pain as “Pure, intense, brilliant pain. Like walking over flaming charcoal with a three-inch nail embedded in your heel” and rates it as a 4.0+.
These ants are the largest of the ant family, at about one inch in length. Like others on this list, bullet ants are not instinctively aggressive, but become so as a defense mechanism. Their sting releases poneratoxin, a neurotoxic peptide that causes severe muscle contractions, a burning sensation, and great pain.
Wasp stings can range from mild to serious. For many, the pain and swelling ease quickly, but others may experience strong allergic reactions that require medical attention. Some of these stings, especially from aggressive species, are among the most painful insect stings and can leave lasting discomfort.
If you’re seeing wasps near your home or business, it could be a sign of a nest nearby. In these cases, a professional wasp control company can help identify the risk. While the most painful sting in the world might not come from a local wasp, even common stings can be dangerous or incredibly painful.
To learn more about different types of wasps and their behaviors, read our guide to wasps.
Western’s technicians are trained to deal with a wide range of pests, including those with painful stings and bites, like wasps. Our technicians can help to remove existing wasp nests and help prevent wasps in the future. Get in touch using our online contact form.
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