Are you really Scared of Wasps?

I used to be really scared of wasps. But now I see it differently - it could apply to any fear.

The other day I was out tending my tomatoes when a wasp hovered right next to me. It didn't bother me at all. Why? I was standing. I was outside. I had freedom of movement.

But put me in a tight space - sitting down, holding food, no clear exit - and it's a different story. The fear changes. It's not just about the insect, it's about proximity and choice. That's the real trigger.

And then there were moths. As a child, I was genuinely terrified of these flimsy, harmless little fluttery things. I'd scream until my dad cam to remove one from my bedroom. Looking back, it feels ludicrous...but at the time it was very real.

Understanding fear is about knowing what your nervous system has learned to watch for. Sometimes our fear response changes. The more we expose ourselves to something without harm, the easier it gets. And sometimes that vigilance is a choice and what feels safest.

The thing about fear - it doesn't always make logical sense.

Fear isn't always about Danger

Some fears aren't logical, they're felt. The trigger isn't always what you think - when the nervous system says NO - it will seem completely real - even if the threat isn't.

This is where proximity, space and perceived control all come into play. Whether it's a wasp, a dog, or even a harmless ladybird...the reaction lives in your body first. And for children - or even grown ups who've been surprised, stung, or startled before - that reaction can hijack calm in seconds.

It's not always about eliminating fear. Sometimes, it's about deciding how close we're willing to let it come. That's proximity fear - and we may not want to rewire all of it. I might let a wasp near me now. But on my face? No thanks.

It's not avoidance.

It's a boundary.

And sometimes, holding that line is what keeps the nervous system calm.

Rewiring doesn't always mean removing the fear. Sometimes, it means redefining what feels safe - and choosing your response.

Are you really scared of Wasps & Why Fear of Wasps Isn't Irrational:

Fear of Wasps (Spheksophobia) is real and common. It's usually triggered by:

• Unpredictable movement

• Stinging risk

• Childhood trauma (like being stung or seeing someone panic)

Unlike bees, wasps can sting multiple times and are more aggressive when provoked, which makes people tense just seeing them nearby.

• Common reactivity: Sudden jumping, flinching, flailing, swatting

• Reasons it makes sense: unpredictability, noise, stinging risk

• Social embarrassment and instinctive shame

• Why the fear persists (nervous system wiring)

• Reassurance: You're not silly - your body's trying to protect you

If it's holding you back and you're ready to moderate the fear, not eliminate it...

That's where the mindset work can begin.

Whether it’s wasps, dogs, crowds or flying… fear often lives in the space between comfort and overwhelm.

🌀 If you’re tired of being hijacked by emotional triggers, you don’t have to just “get over it.”

Let’s explore tools to regulate your nervous system and honour your needs.

👉 Book a mindset session or explore calming tools to Reset and Thrive.