Some researchers believe insects are terrifying mainly because their physical forms are so unlike our own — skeletons outside their bodies, a skittery way of moving, too many legs and too many eyes.

Why are bugs so scary?

One reason bugs are so scary is because many bugs actually can harm you. For example, mosquitoes cause more human deaths than any other animal. ... Researchers believe that humans evolved the fear of spiders, insects, and snakes in order to avoid potentially dangerous encounters with these creatures.

Is it normal to be scared of bugs?

An insect phobia is one of the most common types of specific phobia. A phobia is overwhelming and causes significant anxiety. It's different from simply not liking insects or getting a case of the heebie-jeebies when one scurries by. For some, the anxiety is disabling and interferes with their daily activities.