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The Truth: Why Do Humans Fear Insects?

Scared woman next to a black widow spider

Creepy crawly critters are among the most common fears of people all over the world. In most cases, there has not been a traumatic encounter or qualifying experience to cause this fear. It also does not appear to be an innate or automatic reaction. So why do humans fear insects?

Why Do Humans Fear Insects?

There are a number of reasons why humans may fear insects. From their unexpected appearances to the possibility of germs and disease, we have learned to be cautious when we spot a six-legged intruder.

They Are Uninvited

When insects are encountered in their natural habitat, they are often much less feared than when they pop up in our homes. Our homes are our safe space. We try to create an environment of cleanliness and security, which means we don’t want other living things entering without our knowledge. It feels threatening and invasive and it catches us off guard.

Even an adorable puppy would cause some panic if we found it quietly lurking in a corner of our closet, and had no idea how it got there or how long it had been hiding.

  • They Are Dirty & Unpredictable: Insects are infamous for spreading disease. An insect that we know can bite us can be scary. We know it will hurt or itch later, but we don’t know if it will do more damage than that. We also don’t know exactly how it will act. If we attempt to kill a spider, will it run? Jump? Fly? Okay, spiders don’t fly, but they do make us skittish, especially when we find them on our bodies.
  • They Hide & Multiply: Another terrifying quality of insects is that they have a talent for not being seen. Once we find one, we immediately wonder how long it’s been there and whether it is alone. One ant in the kitchen or bug in the bedroom can incite an episode of crazy cleaning faster than a visit from your mother-in-law.
  • They Cause Damage: Insects can also cause damage to our homes, lawns, and gardens if we do not get rid of them quickly enough. Termites, in particular, can threaten the structural integrity of your home, and other pests can be messy and destructive as well.

What To Do When You Fear an Infestation

In addition to wondering, “why do humans fear insects?” you may also be thinking, “what can I do about it?” The best line of defense against an insect infestation in your home is a treatment from a professional pest control company. Sage Pest Control offers a variety of services to meet your needs and help you remove bugs and keep them out of your home. 

Contact us today with questions or to set up an appointment!
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