Arachnophobia is one of the most common phobias there is, and it’s been around for centuries, if not millenia. Even though the vast majority of spider species are completely harmless to humans, some people still have an overwhelming fear of these insects. So why is that?
Examples of arachnophobia
Most of us have experienced some degree of discomfort when met with a spider at one point in our lives. For example, seeing a tarantula crawl around, or seeing a funnel-web spider catch prey might have given you the creeps. However, arachnophobia is an overwhelming fear at the mere sight of a harmless house spider.
There is the case of the prosecutor in West Virginia, who entered his office on Halloween and saw decorations depicting spiders. These depictions upset him so much that he pulled out his gun and threatened to shoot the decorations if they were not removed. An extreme instance of arachnophobia to be sure, but even milder cases tend to cause an out of proportion reaction.
Why arachnophobia exists
There are several reasons why we all have arachnophobia to a degree. One reason might be an ancestral fear of spiders, probably from the time when most humans were living near spiders that were venomous. Another reason might be the fact that we have a disgust reaction which is meant to keep us away from materials and organisms that spread disease and illness. The disgust reaction is triggered by smells, sights and even so-called fear-relevant animals and insects such as rats, slugs, and spiders. Arachnophobia may also be accentuated through personal experience. If someone is bit by a spider and then falls ill, that person may feel a heightened sense of arachnophobia for the rest of their lives.
Dealing with arachnophobia
Since arachnophobia is not disruptive to the regular day-to-day lives of the people experiencing it in most cases, the best way to deal with arachnophobia is to make sure that you do not have any spiders in the home. In order to achieve this, there are some prevention measures that you can implement yourself, and you can get in touch with a pest control pro who will guide you and implement extra measures for you. If you are dealing with spider infestations on a regular basis, get in touch with us today, and we will help you prevent and get rid of these insects from your home.