"Creepy crawlies" provoke some kind of emotional response from most people. Maggots, flies and other insects are often thought of as disgusting -- many people have a natural and intrinsic desire to avoid these insects and others. Sometimes, however, a child may develop an actual phobia of an insect or insects in general. A phobia is a more extreme reaction and aversion to insects, and may impede the child's normal activities.
Types
A childhood phobia of certain insects may manifest in response to a traumatic event in the child's life involving insects. For example, a child who suffered severe stings from bees or wasps may understandably develop a phobia of bees, wasps or insects in general. Sometimes the phobia may focus on insects physically present near the child. Other times a visual representation of insects -- for example, a nature program on television -- may be enough to trigger the child's phobia.
Effects
It is typical for a child with a phobia to deliberately avoid contact with the subject of the phobia, according to information reported by the MedlinePlus website. If your child is afraid of maggots, she may avoid contact with dirt to avoid seeing maggots or worms. If a child with a phobia of insects is unable to avoid an encounter with flies, maggots or other insects, she may experience a range of physical and emotional symptoms. These include trembling, fear and panic, increased heart rate and shortness of breath.
Expert Insight
Any phobia is a kind of anxiety disorder, according to a July, 2009 report on the website Medical News Today. A phobia is defined as an irrational yet strong fear of something which does not pose a serious or immediate danger. There is a difference between a normal fear of insects -- particularly relating to insect stings -- and a phobia out of proportion to any real danger present.
Prevention/Solution
The National Pest Management Association recommends that childhood phobias of insects, flies and maggots can be minimized by limiting your child's likely exposure to these insects. In particular, you should aim to minimize the risk of insect stings which can cause phobias as well as physical pain and danger. Make sure your child wears shoes outdoors, especially when walking through grass. Do not leave sweet foods or drinks anywhere that is accessible to insects, as they are attracted to sugar. Screen windows and doors, and keep garbage in sealed containers. For a child with a persistent phobia relating to insects, medical treatment options include therapy or medications.
Warning
Insect bites and stings can be serious or even fatal to a child. The symptoms of an allergic reaction to an insect sting -- shortness of breath, trembling and panic -- are similar to the symptoms of a phobia. Make sure you do not allow the phobia symptoms to mask genuine physical symptoms of a dangerous insect bite. Immediate medical help should be sought for severe insect bites or stings, or in the even of a serious reaction to a sting.
