Why Do We Hate Insects?

[galii]

https://www.indy100.com/science-tech/sc ... 2665816424

I just saw this article about a giant spider fossil that was found. As an arachnophobe the prospect of this is absolutely terrifying.

I've looked into spiders quite a bit and as creatures I find them absolutely fascinating, yet at the same time I have an irrational fear of them. I think my fear would at least be somewhat justified if I at least lived in a country like Australia where spiders can be deadly, or if they were the size of the one in the article. But in the UK they're not even deadly or that big. What the f**k is wrong with me? I know my fear is irrational, but at the same time I can't stand the idea of having a spider on me at all. They just look horrific.

I know it is boring but the answer might be evolution. Like having fear of snakes.

[galii]

https://www.indy100.com/science-tech/sc ... 2665816424

I just saw this article about a giant spider fossil that was found. As an arachnophobe the prospect of this is absolutely terrifying.

I've looked into spiders quite a bit and as creatures I find them absolutely fascinating, yet at the same time I have an irrational fear of them. I think my fear would at least be somewhat justified if I at least lived in a country like Australia where spiders can be deadly, or if they were the size of the one in the article. But in the UK they're not even deadly or that big. What the f**k is wrong with me? I know my fear is irrational, but at the same time I can't stand the idea of having a spider on me at all. They just look horrific.

I know it is boring but the answer might be evolution. Like having fear of snakes.

Could be. I've thought about this. How come these phobias only affect certain people though? I plan on curing my arachnophobia through exposure therapy.

Nature has variety. Some guys are gay but most are hetero. We are also afraid of heights though for good reason. I would like to 'cure' that aswell.

[fschmidt]

Mosquitoes and anything that tries to parasite from me are fair game as fair as I'm concerned. I swat those little bastards mercilessly. Same with any animal that tried to attack me. I would kill it. I believe self defence makes killing permissable.

This is the point. Anything that is purely harmful should be hated. Cockroaches may not attack you directly, but they are purely harmful indirectly by crawling on food and making it dirty or infecting it with germs. Similarly modern scum are purely harmful in my experience at least since 2010, so it is perfectly morally permissible to kill them (but not recommended for legal reasons).

[MrPeabody]

When I was in the Amazon the insects were biting 24/7. I don't know how people there get use to it. But, the insects are an orchestra of the jungle, they make different music at different times of the day and night. Some of them are toxic. There are these orangish spiders that hang out in bananas, if one of them bites you, you have 5 minutes to live.

[Moretorque]

When I was in the Amazon the insects were biting 24/7. I don't know how people there get use to it. But, the insects are an orchestra of the jungle, they make different noises at different times of the day and night. Some of them are toxic. There are these orangish bugs that hang out in bananas, if one of them bites you, you have 5 minutes to live.

Since you weigh about 20 pounds it's more like 60 seconds in your case.

[Ginerbell]

Insects often evoke fear due to their unfamiliar looks, rapid movements, or associations with disease. This innate discomfort is rooted in survival instincts. For pet owners, protecting animals from insect-borne issues is crucial—check options like Bravecto Without Vet Prescription for easy preventive care.

[Yohan]

The worst insects I ever faced in my rooms in Thailand were termites, entered in the 11th floor through the wall next to the water pipe and eating the entire wooden floor and also one door and frame. Now replaced with tiles and PVC door/frame to the bathroom.

We have also termits in Japan, the house of my daughter living in a rural area was attacked by termites one year ago, the half floor had to be removed and replaced.

Termites are often invisible under the wooden floors or within doors and frames and when you notice, something is wrong it's too late already, expect a major repair.

[IraqVet2003]

The reason I think we hate insects is because they are for the most part seen as pest or vermin!!! Sure, there are a few insects that are beneficial or harmless to humans such as grasshoppers, butterflies, lady bugs or bees that provide honey and help to pollinate crops. However, there are many insect species that are harmful if not deadly to people. Here is a list of some insects that are known to be very harmful to humans:

1.) Bed bugs- are known to bite people and to infest their homes, hotels, etc.

2.) Fleas and ticks- are known to bite people and their pets. Also, they help to carry deadly diseases such as Lyme Disease and the Bubonic Plague.

3.) Mosquitoes- are known to bite people are carry deadly diseases such as Malaria, Yellow fever, West Nile virus, Zika virus, and Dengue fever.

4.) Fire ants- bites/stings are painful and can be fatal if you have an allergic reaction (and don't get medical treatment).

5.) Wasps, Hornets, Yellow Jackets- stings are painful and can be fatal if you have an allergic reaction (and don't get immediate medical treatment).

6.) Locusts- don't hurt humans directly. However, they can entire destroy crops and cause famine/starvation.

7.) Termites- don't harm humans directly. But they feed on wooden structures which can cause great damage to peoples' homes.

8.) Cockroaches- can contaminate food, cause allergies, and help spread diseases such as E. coli, Salmonella, diarrhea, cholera, and dysentery.

Pesticides and sanitation/cleanliness can help to control these types of insects.