Schmidt Pain Index: Michigan’s Most Excruciating Sting

The Michigan Great Outdoors is a fantastic world to explore, just be sure to be on the lookout for the Mitten States' stinging insects. Some stings, like the one given by a sweat bee, are mild in comparison to Michigan's most painful sting.

Using Schmidt's Pain Scale to Rank Michigan's Stings

Justin Schmidt (pictured above), also known as "The King of Sting", was an entomologist who allowed himself to be stung over 1,000 times so he could study the effects of venom and poison while ranking them on a 4-point scale. This became known as the Schmidt Pain Index and it is celebrated for its 'colorful' descriptions of stings or bites that help you to understand how excruciating a bite or sting is or isn't.

Related: The Deadly 7: Michigan's Most Venomous and Poisonous

Let's take a look at Michigan's Most Painful stings, as described by the Schmidt Pain Index:

5. Michigan Sweat Bee Schmidt Pain Index Rating

The Sweat Bee is plentiful in Michigan but, thankfully its sting is on the bottom of the scale:

• Schmidt Pain Index Rating: 1.0

A 1.0 rating is described by Schmidt:

light, ephemeral, almost fruity. As if a tiny spark has singed a single hair on your arm

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4. Bald-Faced Hornet Schmidt Pain Index Rating

The Bald-Faced Hornet is small but mighty. Though it is more common in southern states, there are plenty in Michigan:

• Schmidt Pain Index Rating: 2.0

A  2.0 rating  for Michigan's Bald-Faced Hornet as described by Schmidt:

rich, hearty, slightly crunchy. Similar to getting your hand mashed in a revolving door

3. Yellow Jacket Schmidt Pain Index Rating

Michigan's Yellow Jacket is a wasp that has the same rating as the Bald-Faced Hornet, but it is a different type of sting that lasts longer:

• Schmidt Pain Index Rating: 2.0

A 2.0 rating for the Michigan Yellow Jacket as described by Schmidt:

Hot and smoky, almost irreverent. Imagine W. C. Fields extinguishing a cigar on your tongue.

Related: How to Safely Remove a Bat From Your Home

2. European Hornets Schmidt Pain Index Rating

European Hornets don't actually sting, they eject an acidic solution that burns the skin:

• Schmidt Pain Index Rating: 2.0

A 2.0 rating for the Michigan European Hornet as described by Schmidt:

Like a matchhead that flips off and burns your skin.

1. Paper Wasp Schmidt Pain Index Rating

Paper Wasps are tops in pain for Michigan stingers:

• Schmidt Pain Index Rating: 3.0

A 3.0 rating for the Michigan Paper Wasp as described by Schmidt:

Caustic and burning. Distincly bitter aftertaste. Like spilling a beaker of hydrochloric acid on a paper cut.

There you have it. Michigan's most painful stings! Who's ready to test the Schmidt Pain Scale?