Edited by Chelsea Jackson for Director Allison Otto and National Geographic

4 minutes | 2017

For entomologist Justin Schmidt, getting stung by venomous insects is an occupational hazard. Schmidt collects and studies a variety of stinging insects such as harvest ants and Pacific cicada killers to discover the potential medical benefits of their venom. He believes the venom could be used to treat chronic pain and arthritis in humans without the negative side effects of current painkillers. Schmidt says that though getting stung is unpleasant and is something he’s endured over a thousand times, it’s all worth it to get up close and personal with these fascinating bugs.