MOST PAINFUL STINGS IN THE WORLD

MOST PAINFUL STINGS IN THE WORLD

How possible is it that you go a whole month or year without being stung by at least one insector the other? If you've been stung by a bee or just another random bug whose name you don't happen to know, then you probably think that's as painful as it can get. Did you know that there are insects capable of inflicting far more pain than the popularly dreaded bee sting? If you did not, we're bringing a list of the top ten most painful insect stings to you, right now, with unbelievable tales of these wondrous creatures of nature.

1 THE SWEAT BEE

 The sweat bee is a name generally given to different bees known for the vast amount of pollinating they do and their attraction to the salts in human perspiration. This particular bee happens to be one of the most common types of bees on the planet, and are often eusocial in Northern parts of America. This means that they are found in large numbers together, and they operate with a social caste So if you notice that sweat bee swarming around you, you just know that it's one of the workers gathering food for the colony! Each worker will then offload its haul back in the nest and go out to search for food again. This insect only spans up to a length between 3-10mm, and they are covered in small pollen grains that cover their yellow and black bodies. The sweat bees do not make honey, and the females only sting when agitated or brushed off the skin. So before you hurriedly swat at that bee that just perched on your arm, think about it first. Removing the stinger as soon as possible reduces the amount of venom that gets into the bloodstream. A quick household hack for an unexpected meeting with a sweat bee is the immediate application of baking soda to relieve the itch and some apple cider vinegar to reduce the pain and burning sensation.

 2 THE FIRE ANT 

The fire ant is a notorious species whose sting often leaves effects that linger for days. Anyone who has ever had the unpleasant mishap of encountering fire ants never goes close to them. These red ants reside in colonies and large mound nests that are flat and have an odd shape and are about 2-4 square feet in size. They are found explicitly in an overwhelming number throughout the rainforests of Central and South America. It's best not to poke fun at random insect nests because, more often than not, you might end up provoking these aggressive creatures. This violent species attack anything that disturbs them, and once they latch on to an invader, they quickly begin inserting their stingers into the skin and injecting venom. Although the red ants are misconceived to bite, they actually sting. The sting is always very painful and often results in raised welts that eventually form white pustules, difficulty in breathing, intense itching and even, vomiting. If you have been attacked by this vicious ant, you can immediately reduce the effects by washing the affected area with soap and water to prevent infection as well as placing ice on the bite area to avoid damage to the skin.

3 THE BULLHORN ACACIA ANTS 

The bullhorn acacia ants are best known for their mutualistic relationship with the bullhorn acacia plant. This vicious species live in bullhorn acacia plants which provide nutrients and housing for the ants. The large and conspicuous thorns of the plant provide nesting for the insects, as well as nectar, which serves as their food. All these are given in exchange for the tree's protection from anything eating or touching the tree. The ants also clear an area around the base of the plant, which drastically reduces the plant's competition for nutrients and resources. These ants are found in large numbers in Central America and are attracted to the plant by the unpleasant smell it releases to begin the intriguing symbiotic relationship. The bullhorn acacia ant will sting an invader for a long time and inflict a lot of pain. It is best advised to avoid these ants and their plants if possible. 

4 THE BALD-FACED HORNET

 The bald-faced hornet is a stinging insect found all over North America. These insects are relatives of the more commonly known yellow jackets and earned their name from their mostly black color and mostly white head. Although the bald-faced hornets are named so, they are, in fact, not hornets. Shocking. The stinging insect is called a hornet because of its large size and aerial nests, which are grey and paper-like but are enclosed, unlike the open cone structure that most stinging hornets and insects have. The long six-legged wasp-like insect can reach a size between 13-20 mm, and their colonies often contain 200-400 members.