Fear of Black Bugs

by dlofink

Many people have a fear of bugs that emerged early in life. The fear was typically seeded and enforced by family or friends. For instance, when little Johnny discovers a little black bug walking across the grass, Mom may scream out, “Don’t touch that bug!” The seed is planted for Johnny to fear little black bugs. He may get over his fear or not but if that activity repeats itself over and over, it’s likely Johnny will grow into adulthood with a fear that follows him around.

In another family, little Emily spots a little black bug and her mother responds with, “Describe this bug. Does it have an antenna to help it find its way? How many legs does it have? Can you see its eyes?” Mom instills curiosity, not fear. That is no guarantee that Emily won’t have a fear of black bugs but her mother has chosen to introduce Emily to the study of the bug instead of the fear of the bug.

Let’s assume a child or adult already has the fear in place. Many situations can bring on a fear of bugs. One therapy that is often used to eliminate the fear is through play and color. Using the first situation previously mentioned with Johnny, a therapy for him would include a drawing lesson. Johnny would be asked to draw some black bugs. Any kind of bug he draws will be just fine. Using his drawing you can ask him to point out details in the bug. “Johnny, how big are his eyes? What does he use to walk on? Can he fly? Is this a boy bug or a girl bug? What is the bug’s body made of? Is it like fur or skin or scales? How big is this bug? Is this bug bigger than you are?” After you ask many questions, you and Johnny should touch the parts of the bug that you are discussing. Make the touching expand to include a gentle wipe with your hand over the picture he has drawn. It’s okay to touch bugs. Ask Johnny to touch the bugs too. Then it’s time to go find a harmless black bugs (like a beetle, doodle bug, pill bug, fly, black ant). As you look at your real black bug, point out the parts on the real bug that you had discussed in Johnny’s drawing. Make sure Johnny participates and notices too. Next take your finger and gently touch the bug to point out a part of the bug that you had previously discussed. If Johnny winces or squirms, you reassure him that this is a safe bug and they are fun to touch.

For bugs that are more pesty – such as fleas – you can apply your powers of observation as well.  If you ask Johnny to look real close at the characteristics of the flea – such as the hopping they do, he will learn a lot.  Fleas aren’t friends to our bodies or our pets’ bodies, but you can teach your children to not panic.

This is one idea of a slow approach to helping kids overcome a fear of bugs.

If you want more ideas, here’s a CD we have uncovered to help adults and children move beyond that fear cycle when confronting bugs. Good luck!