Monster Wasp Nest - stock photo

Aside from snakes, the greatest fear of anyone walking through the dense tropical rainforest of New Guinea is brushing against a wasp's nest and having a swarm of angry wasps descend on you and bite you. A wasp bite feels like a hammer blow and skin swelling and dizziness often ensue a number of bites. Swelling around the neck area can impede breathing and lead to death. After being bitten once the fear escalates as you traverse creeks, always on the lookout for a small nest of wasps. And when one encounters a monster wasp nest such as this the adrenaline flows and the level of alertness jumps. Proceed with extreme care.