Take a look outside long enough and you will notice that many insects have mandibles that bite and stingers that sting. When you see a strange new bug, “does it bite” might be one of the first thoughts that go through your head. If you have ever wondered what insect can pack the worst bite, today is your lucky day. Here are the top five painful insect bites brought to you by Green Pest Services.

The Cow Killer

What is big, black and red and hairy all over? That would be the cow killer, or velvety ant. Though it looks like a big ugly ant, the cow killer is actually a wingless wasp. If you are wondering where this critter got its name, look no further than the stinger. Stings are said to be painful enough that you wonder how you are still alive. Cow Killers are not aggressive. They will only sting if you step on one or can’t leave well enough alone. They are kind enough to give you a warning squeak before they unleash their cow killing pain.

The Amazonian Giant Centipede

Coming in at 12 inches in length, the giant centipede is something that might give you nightmares. It has anywhere from 42 to 46 legs and can move really fast. Near it mouth, it has a pair of sharp claws that it can use to inject its debilitating venom. Their bites are toxic to humans. If you are unlucky enough to make one bite, you will experience severe pain, nausea, fevers and weakness.

The Toe-Biter

When an insect is designed to eat turtles, fish and snakes, you know it can be dangerous. The Toe-biter’s real name is the giant water bug. They are big. Giant water bugs can grow to be nearly the length of your hand. If disturbed they will play dead, if you bother them some more they will sink their needle like mouth deep into your body. Their bites are viciously painful and last for hours. They are considered to be one of the most painful insect bites you can experience.

The Tarantula Hawk

You know that tarantulas are big, hairy spiders that have huge fangs. The tarantula hawk is a wasp that hunts big, hairy spiders for fun. The last thing you want to do is make a tarantula hawk angry. Their stingers are the length of your fingernail. Their venom has to be potent to take out a tarantula. A sting from a Tarantula hawk will leave you a slobbering mess. Justin Schmidt an Entomologist from the University of Arizona described their sting as “Blinding, shockingly electric. A running hair drier has been dropped into your bubble bath.”

The Bullet Ant

A sting from this little ant is recognized as the most painful in the world. The pain is so intense that people have compared it to being shot. It doesn’t end there. After the initial punch, you will go on to experience a burning, all-consuming agony that will last for the next 24 hours.