How does the book recommend stunning a stinging insect before removal from a net?

Pinching the thorax of a stinging insect is a recommended method for stunning it before removal from a net because it effectively disrupts the insect's nervous system, momentarily immobilizing it and reducing the risk of a defensive sting. The thorax is the main body segment that houses the insect's muscles responsible for movement. By applying pressure here, you can limit its ability to fly and sting, facilitating safer handling and removal.

Using cold water or other methods may not have as immediate or direct an effect on the insect's ability to sting, and covering the insect with a cloth does not guarantee that the insect will be stunned or immobilized effectively. Applying pressure to the abdomen could potentially cause harm to the insect without ensuring it is incapacitated, making pinching the thorax the most reliable approach for safe handling.