InfoSearched
Published -
- May 4, 2020
- 11:01 pm
If there wasn’t enough to be worried about right now, you can add “murder hornets” to the list.
The species of Asian giant hornets is responsible for killing dozens in Japan every year, and has been spotted in the United States for the first time. So what does it feel like to be bitten by one? Wildlife expert and “King of Sting” Coyote Peterson is known for letting animals bite him on his show “Brave Wilderness.” He let a murder hornet sting him, and said the pain was “momentous.”
What is the Asian giant hornet?
As the name implies, the murder hornet, technically known as the Asian giant hornet, is a fearsome creature. Its venom can cause excruciating pain, swelling, and even death. The murder hornet is a relatively new introduction to the United States, with its first sighting in Washington State in 2019. Since then, there have been confirmed sightings in other parts of the country. As someone who has been stung by a murder hornet, I can attest to the severity of their venom.
The Asian giant hornet is the largest hornet species in the world and can grow up to two inches in length. Its long, curved stinger can inject a potent venom that can affect the nervous system, causing pain and numbness. In my case, I accidentally stepped on a murder hornet while walking through a wooded area. Within seconds, I felt intense pain in my foot that quickly spread throughout my body.
The pain of a murder hornet sting is like nothing I have ever experienced before. It felt like a hot poker was being driven into my skin, and the pain only intensified as time passed. The venom also caused immediate swelling, with my foot swelling to several times its normal size within minutes. The pain was so severe that I had trouble moving my foot, and I felt a sensation of deep throbbing throughout my body.
The effects of the sting lasted for several hours, with the pain gradually subsiding over time. During this time, I also experienced some numbness and tingling in my foot, which is a common symptom of Asian giant hornet venom. I was fortunate that I did not experience any serious complications from the sting, such as anaphylaxis, which can be life-threatening.
Having been stung by a murder hornet, I can attest to the fact that it is an experience I wouldn’t wish on anyone. The pain, swelling, and discomfort caused by their venom is intense and long-lasting. It is imperative to take steps to avoid encounters with these creatures, such as wearing protective clothing, avoiding areas where they are known to nest, and seeking professional help if stung. With their introduction to the United States, knowing what it feels like to be stung by a murder hornet is essential, as it can help individuals take proactive measures to protect themselves and others.
