The Fears and Phobias Associated with Spiders

The Fears and Phobias Associated with Spiders

So why do spiders make some peoples skin crawl? Well, they scurry around, sometimes appearing in places we least expect. For many, these eight-legged creatures are more than just creepy; they are a source of paralyzing fear. Let’s explore why spiders cause such anxiety and how this fear takes shape.

Spider Image in Web - Photograph Courtesy of Chris Kowalski

What Exactly is Arachnophobia?

Arachnophobia is the term used for an intense fear of spiders. This phobia can trigger panic attacks, leaving people unable to function normally. Even the sight of a small spider, or a picture of one, can send someone into a frenzied state. With millions of people experiencing this fear, it is clear that spiders have a unique way of getting under our skin.

Why Are We Afraid of Spiders?

The fear of spiders often has deep roots. It is not just about how they look or move. Many people fear their bites. While serious spider bites are rare, the anxiety built around these creatures can morph into a full-blown phobia. It's a bit like fearing the dark; often, it's not what you see that scares you, but what you imagine might be lurking there. 

What are Some Now Starting to Fear?

Giant false widow spiders are set to start invading people’s homes in weeks - as mating season starts, experts have warned. Warm and wet conditions this summer provided the perfect breeding ground for the eight-legged creatures, and the false widow spiders are cousins of the deadly black widow spider. Their bite cannot kill a human but the venom causes painful burns and swelling, and can lead to a fever.

Identified by their brownish-reddish bodies with white markings, these spiders usually start to come out in early September, with their presence noticeable in homes until around mid-October. After this, they tend to be spotted indoors less often.

Are We Going to See an Increase In Spider Activity This Year?

Just to put certain fears into perspective, in the UK there are more than 650 different species of spider and while all of them can bite, only 12 can cause harm to humans. The British Pest Control Association (BPCA) has previously urged people to avoid contact with False Black Widow spiders, but not to panic if they spot one in their home.

As already mentioned, recently it has been reported that giant false widow spiders are set to start invading people’s homes in the coming weeks.  As the mating season commences, experts are warning of this invasion. Early September is the time that everyone  needs to start keeping an eye out for them invading the home.

Due to the warm and wet conditions over the summer the perfect breeding ground has been provided for the False Widow eight-legged creatures, who are cousins of the deadly black widow spider. Whilst their bite cannot kill a human, the venom causes painful burns and swelling, and can lead to a fever.

Identified by their brownish-reddish bodies with white markings, these spiders usually start to come out in early September, with their presence noticeable in homes until around mid-October. After mid-October, they tend to be spotted indoors less often.

Female spiders are known to stay in one place for all of their lives, but males are always on the move. During spider mating season, the males will go searching for females and often find them inside homes, which is why you may notice more of them over the next couple of months.

The spiders are not aggressive but accidental contact may mean a bite is possible. The BPCA have reported that “Requests for False Widow pest control call-outs tend to peak in October.

Usually found in the region of 1.5m off the ground, False Widow webs tend to be  a loose tangle of threads and with a tube of silk found in one corner which leads  into a crevice where the spider will hide during the day. These webs are usually found around window and in addition door frames as well as in eaves,

The bite from a False Widow Spider whilst venomous have been compared to wasp stings.  Any issues arising from spider bites are more than likely to be the result of a secondary infection, than the bite itself. The BPCA’s online guide to False Widows can be found at bpca.org.uk/false-black-widow and this includes advice on how to identify them and what to do if you spot one in your home.

You can remove a spider from your home by carefully putting a small carton or glass over it and sliding a piece of card underneath. 

How Can I Keep Spiders Out of My Home

Avoid clutter in your home

Spiders love seeking refuge, they love nothing more than dark, damp and cluttered places.  Therefore ensure your house is kept clean and clutter free and be sure to vacuum and dust on a regular basis.  Store things in plastic-lidded boxes instead of carboard to reduce the risk of access for spiders.

Letting in natural light to your home

Remember to avoid the blinds or curtains being closed during the day, or for prolonged periods as spiders love the dark.

The use of essential oils

Spiders actually ‘smell’ with their legs, and therefore strong scents will deter spiders from leaving their nooks and crannies. Using tea tree, rose, cinnamon, citrus, peppermint, citronella, lavender and eucalyptus are good oils to try – make sure you spray corners, window sills and skirting boards, and also replenish regularly.

Drawing some chalk lines where possible

Spiders use their feet to taste and they don’t like chalk, so as strange as it may sound, drawing a line around window sills, your bed, or doorways, will deter spiders from crossing.

Sealing any cracks

Making sure that you seal up any small cracks in walls, floors and ceilings that   spiders may use for their access. In addition, making sure that you keep foiliage away from your house.  Ensure that plants do not grow too close to your home and that the area around your home is free from leaf litter and things such as wood piles ensures that there are no areas where spiders can hide.

Symptoms of Spider Phobia

For those with arachnophobia, facing a spider can lead to a whirlwind of reactions. Some common symptoms include:

• Sweating

• Heart racing

• Difficulty breathing

• Strong urge to escape

It’s as if the sight of a spider transforms the room into a horror movie set. This overwhelming panic can disrupt daily life, making it tough to visit certain places or even to be in nature.

The Childhood Connection

Many times, fear of spiders begins in childhood. A scary encounter, whether real or imagined, can plant the seeds of fear. Have you heard the story about a friend who saw a

spider crawl across their bed? Such tales tend to spread anxiety among children, creating a cycle of fear. Over time, those childhood fears can stick, lingering into adulthood.

How Society Influences Spider Fears

Media and popular culture often amplify spider fears. Movies like “Arachnophobia” and shows featuring creepy, crawling spiders feed into our anxieties. When spiders are portrayed as villains, it reinforces the notion that they’re something to be feared. It's like throwing gasoline on a fire; it only makes the fear grow stronger.

Facing the Fear: A Personal Journey

While it may seem daunting, many people confront their spider fears in unique ways. Some may start by looking at pictures of spiders, slowly building their tolerance. Others might even opt for therapy with someone like myself, in order to tackle their phobia, What if facing that fear could lead to a newfound appreciation for these creatures? After all, spiders play a vital role in our ecosystem by controlling pests and for me the glass and card will be coming into use to humanely remove any spiders to a safe space,

Embracing the Eight-Legged Creatures

Understanding fears and phobias surrounding spiders can help demystify them. While spiders can be unsettling, they are fascinating creatures who have an important role in nature. As the saying goes a little knowledge goes a long way. Therefore, next time you come up against a spider, remember the web of life that they are a part of; it might just change how you feel about them.

Just take a moment to appreciate the spiders that may call your garden home. They will probably be working very hard to keep pests in check and making your outdoor spaces more enjoyable. Instead of shooing them away, or worse still killing them, consider observing their marvellous behaviour and encourage children to do the same. You might find yourself fascinated by their clever webs and courtship displays and go forward to play a part in dispelling the ongoing fears and phobias associated with these fascinating creatures.

Seeking Help for Spider Phobias

For anyone who feels they require help to conquer their spider phobia, please contact Hypnocares where a free (without any obligation), telephone or online consultations can be provided with Sharon Mason. Sharon is a fully trained, advanced level clinical hypnotherapist and EFT practitioner.  Please feel free to contact Sharon in order to discuss both clinical hypnotherapy and EFT:-

Sharon Mason Adv.Dip.Hyp.ISCH ADPR GHR

Hypnocares

Tel: 07538470420

E-mail: sharonmason@hypnocares.co.uk

www.hypnocares.co.uk