The fear of bugs or fear of insects is known as Entomophobia. Insects and bugs often appear disgusting, due to their shape or colors. Flies, mosquitoes and fleas are also associated with the spread of diseases and infections. In some cases this fear becomes a mental illness where the patient feels constant ‘prickling, tingling, creeping, crawling or burrowing sensations akin to insects present on the skin. In severe case, people have been known to clean constantly to repel bugs or self-mutilate or scratch intensely, leading to severe skin infections. Sufferers may continue to experience these symptoms for years not realizing that the longer they suffer, the harder it is to resolve. To treat this disorder, a combination of therapies including drug therapy, desensitization and psychotherapy.
