Question
IF you look at animals such as shrimp, lobsters, crayfish, crabs, scorpions, cockroaches, etc they are all cousins to each other in the animal kingdom.

I can look at all of these animals and not think much of them.

But why is it that when I see a cockroach, just the sight of one wants to make me vomit?

Those things are so disgusting... even though they are harmless and do not bite or attack humans (unlike their cousins, they are actually more scared of us than we are of them)

But the roach just gives me a disgusted feeling of utter revulsion and goosebumps all over my body.

Any clues as to why this is?

Could it be that a cockroach is linked to poor hygiene?

Answer
Ana,

These are learned behaviors. We react this way because as we grew up people around us behaved this way. For example, children are naturally curious about insects but learn to be fearful (unfortunately) because of the reaction of adults.

There are phobias and even delusionary illnesses associated with insects. If you are curious take a look at this page http://www.livingwithbugs.com/del_pho.html for a description of the difference between phobias and delusions.


Jack DeAngelis, PhD
Extension Entomologist (ret.)
author Living with Bugs: http://www.livingwithbus.com/bug_book.html