Most Dangerous Wasps

Bees and wasps are often lumped into the same category of species because of their appearance and their sharing of the same biological classification of subspecies: hymenoptera. When considering the world's most dangerous wasps, many people also consider bees to be part of the discussion because they are both stinging, flying insects.

  1. Pepsis Wasp

    • The pepsis wasp is known for one of the most painful stings out of any other hymenoptera species on the planet. Their sting is fierce and shocking, according to Justin O. Schmidt, an entomologist and researcher. Schmidt described the pepsis qasp sting as similar to standing in a bathtub while dropping a hair dryer plugged into an electrical socket. However, due to the nature of the pepsis wasp's venom, the pain only lasts a few minutes and is rarely fatal. Pepsis wasps are found in arid environments including the southwestern U.S.

    Africanized Honeybees

    • Africanized honeybees were bred in 1957 in Brazil as scientists attempted to engineer a bee species that had the ability to produce large amounts of honey. However, as the European honeybees were bred with African honeybees, the offspring took on a highly aggressive nature. Africanized honeybees are highly territorial and swarm their victims, which can include both livestock and people. Africanized bees can terrorize their hapless victim with more than 500 stings within 30 seconds, according to the University of Delaware. Since 1990, Africanized bees have only caused 11 deaths in the U.S.

    Japanese Giant Hornet

    • The Japanese giant hornet can grow up to 3 inches long and has one of the most painful stings of all insects known worldwide. The venom from the Japanese giant hornet contains at least eight different chemicals that can lead to tissue damage and can be fatal for some individuals. About 40 people are killed every year by the Japanese giant hornet, according to Wild Facts, a resource website for wild animal facts.

    Anaphylactic Reactions

    • All bee and wasp stings have the potential to cause allergic reactions, including redness, swelling, pain and tenderness. Hives may develop for individuals who suffer from systemic reactions. In severe reactions, an individual may go into anaphylaxis, which includes many other allergic reactions in addition to the swelling of the throat and tongue, preventing air from traveling down the trachea. Individuals who have a history of anaphylaxis should take one or two Benadryl as soon as they are stung and should have a dose of epinephrine handy in case of anaphylaxis.