Phobias of wasps, bees, and flying insects

It's hilarious isn't it! The man or woman in the beach or in the park rushing about and flailing the air wildly as they try to avoid the wasp. Yes, maybe.... But it's not very funny not if you are that person.

This caricature image is the bread and butter of some comedy script writers but it is embarrassing or humiliating if you have a gut response of fear to wasps, bees or flying insects.

When it's over and the creature has disappeared you may laugh along with those who food your antics funny but deep down you feel terrible. You've let yourself down again or so you think.

It's not your fault!

First off let's be clear about something. If you have this phobic fear recognise that it is just that - a phobia. It is not a rational reaction. It is an involuntary and quite powerful emotional response that by-passes your conscious, rational thinking process.

So feeling inadequate has to stop. Recognise and acknowledge that there is nothing you can do in the moment to stop your fear.

Accept this reality. Forgive yourself for appearing out of control - because if you were out of control who's there to blame?

Next decide that you are going to eradicate the phobia whatever it takes - however much patience it takes. Because all single issue phobias can be eradicated.

What to do about it?

Next be clear that that there's nothing to fear - at worst a painful sting for an hour or two. And even this is unlikely to occur - if you handle the situation with a bit more calmness and watch the creature until it landed and then brush it away quickly.

As with all single-issue phobias the best and quickest approach is to seek.  If this is not possible use the methods in the phobia-fix section. Take your time about this and carefully work through the hierarchy in a systematic manner.

Allergic reactions

Incidentally, the caricature image is even less funny for those people who have a strong allergic reaction to bee- or wasp-stings. For them it could be a decidedly dangerous event.

Yet, here again, if they can first get rid of the phobic reaction they will be better placed to avoid the sting by being able to handle the situation more effectively.

Other related pages

Phobias

Deal with phobias

Desensitisation

Hierarchy of fears

Using Desensitisation

 

 

Important: please read our caution regarding all health-related advice.