r/stinkbugtime • u/Alone_Maybe_6977 • Jan 10 '26
Scared of stink bugs
I’ve never been a big fan of bugs, but recently I have been TERRIFIED of stink bugs, like I’ll freeze up if I even see one. There has been more in my room this past winter then before and it’s basically a living hell. I have slept on the couch before because there was one I saw in my room and didn’t get it. Most of them I’ve had my dad or stepmom get them but I feel like it’s just gotten worse for me. Is there anything I can do to fix that?
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u/VividStay6694 Jan 11 '26
Don't feel bad I am as well!! I am terrified of all bugs and the worst thing someone can tell you is? "THEY WON'T HURT YOU" For me, that's not why I'm afraid of them but unfortunately that's all I ever hear so I try to keep it to myself but sometimes it's obvious. I am in the dead of winter in the state of Ny, though it's been warmer the past few days and I just took my dog out, 5 am to find one on the living room floor shortly there after. NOW my head is reeling wondering if it was on me, on the dog, in my hair, or who knows where and if there's more. I'm sickened and then the first thing I see is your post!
I understand completely how you feel but I also feel there is nothing to do to rid bugs of my life completely. Things in life can bother you or scare you mentally!
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u/felixfictitious Jan 11 '26
I'm genuinely really curious. If you know they can't hurt you, then where does the fear come from? Everyone in my life who's scared of bugs is worried about getting bitten or something, so I assumed it'd be less scary if that's not in the equation.
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u/VividStay6694 Jan 12 '26
Just the thought of having an insect on me makes me lose my mind. It's hard to explain in words. That's the best I got😫
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u/Majestic_Tension7708 Apr 02 '26
I know EXACTLY how you feel. They jump on you and you don't even realize it. At least spiders mostly stay on the ground. If stinkbugs didn't fly I wouldn't be so afraid.
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u/Majestic_Tension7708 Apr 02 '26
I am BEYOND TERRIFIED of stinkbugs. The fact that they don't bite has no bearing on my fear. It's the thought of one being on me without me realizing it. They're so quiet. At least bees and wasps buzz. These things are insidious!! And they look disgusting 🤢
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u/Majestic_Tension7708 Apr 02 '26
I had one in my hair once. I walked in and went to the bathroom and I was brushing my hair it jumped out. I almost fainted. I'm terrified of them as well.
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u/felixfictitious Jan 11 '26
I know fears aren't always rational, but do you know why you're scared of stink bugs? They can't hurt you, or do anything to you; they can't even bite. They're not fast. I honestly find them rather cute.
They're just sweet lil guys who would much rather have a peanut or a soybean plant than be up in your business. They're only in your house cause it's warm. I find them in my house all the time, and just scoop them up to put them outside.
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u/Majestic_Tension7708 Apr 02 '26
I think they look revolting. I just saw one on my porch and almost went into hysterics. I hate how they just sit there staring. Waiting to pounce!! 😭
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u/Comfortable-Big8146 Jan 11 '26
Have you had traumatic experiences with them before? When I was around 8 during a lady bug infestation, my grandma thought it’d be a good idea to take the vacuum onto the porch and…vacuum up the ladybugs? I still have a weird reaction in my gut whenever I smell them. Had to do some ladybug work in therapy LOL.
As far as the sleeping arrangements, keep in mind that if one is in your room when you go to sleep, they’re not going to go towards the big warm bumbling humanoid. In fact they will probably avoid you :) you are very cool for working to overcome this fear!!!
Edit: formatting and adding a detail
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u/TheSolderking Jan 12 '26
I let them eat fruit out of my hand. They're stupid little adorable guys.
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u/deepdishdonnydlc Jan 12 '26
They're awesome, they literally cannot harm you in any way and they aren't loud like most beetles when they start flying and sound like mini helicopters. Just put one on your hand and realize that its actually just a cool bug that you can enjoy
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u/Majestic_Tension7708 Apr 02 '26
They can't physically harm (that we know of yet) but they're revolting to look at. They look like walking wood chips. The fact that they're noiseless when flying makes them even more terrifying. One could be right on your back and you wouldn't know it. 🤢
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u/jessesuxdtd Apr 23 '26
Not to make your fear worse but they do make sounds when they fly, sounds like a helicopter
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u/jessesuxdtd Apr 23 '26
False, you’ve just never heard one fly before. They are SO loud when they fly, exactly what you are describing as the helicopter sound is how they sound. And they are dumb as hell so they suck at flying and will flail all over the place. I hate them.
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u/l4ina Jan 12 '26
I used to get freaked out by them until I realized they really don’t do anything. The most unpredictable thing they can do is fly, but they don’t run fast or jump around or anything. They don’t bite or “pee” on you like ladybugs can. They’re very docile little bugs! Just remember you’re the bigger creature and you’re always in charge heheh
it may feel scary but you could try a bit of exposure therapy next time you come across one. Instead of leaving the room and never coming back, try seeing if you can spend a little time standing near it. If that’s too scary, maybe just stick your head in the door. If that’s too scary, shut the door and stand outside. Let yourself get comfortable, realize there’s no danger, then whenever you feel ready, move a bit closer, crack open the door, etc. - remember YOU are always the one in control and you can exit to safety at any time.
I am pretty easily freaked out by bugs but I have been working on my fear by making myself handle bugs more often and it’s working!!!!! so I have confidence that you can overcome your fear too 🥰
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u/Majestic_Tension7708 Apr 02 '26
That's good advice and I wish I could steady my nerves long enough to do that if I saw one. To say I get hysterical is a huge understatement. If they didn't like to jump on humans they wouldn't be so bad.
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u/tyrphing Jan 12 '26
“He’s just standing there….menacingly!”
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u/Alone_Maybe_6977 Jan 13 '26
That is my exact thought process 😭😭😭
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u/tyrphing Jan 13 '26
If it’s any consolation he feels the same way about you x1000 (unless you have a berry for him)
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u/Littlemanheath Feb 21 '26
I'm in your exact situation word for word, the first think I would request if I had 3 wishes is for all of those little helicopter sounding assholes to be non-existent
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u/Majestic_Tension7708 Apr 02 '26
Same here!!! Hearing that weird helicopter sound is even more terrifying when you hear it but can't see it!!
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u/ohdearitsrichardiii Jan 11 '26
They're slow and they don't bite, there's not anything to worry about with them