Scientists Rate the 10 Most Painful Summer Insect Stings

Summertime is in full swing and across the USA folks are outdoors more than ever, exposed to nature in all its glory...and its danger. This summer, beware of these 10 most painful insect stings and bites, as rated by top scientists.

10) Fire Ant
Sting Pain Index Score: 1
Pain duration: 2-5 minutes

9) Honey Bee
Sting Pain Index Score: 2
Pain duration: 4-10 minutes

8) Bumblebee
Schmidt Sting Pain Index Score: 2
Pain duration: 2-5 minutes

7) German Yellowjacket
Schmidt Sting Pain Index Score: 2
Pain duration: 4-10 minutes

6) Velvet Ant
Schmidt Sting Pain Index Score: 3
Pain duration: 5-30 minutes

5) Harvester Ant
Schmidt Sting Pain Index Score: 3
Pain duration: 1-8 hours

4) Paper Wasp 
Schmidt Sting Pain Index Score: 3
Pain duration: 5-15 minutes

3) Warrior Wasp
Schmidt Sting Pain Index Score: 4
Pain duration: 5 minutes to 2 hours

2) Tarantula Hawk
Schmidt Sting Pain Index Score: 4
Pain duration: 3 minutes

1) Bullet Ant
Schmidt Sting Pain Index Score: 4
Pain duration: 12-24 hours