Why do so many humans have such a natural aversion to insects?

Question

Why do so many humans have such a natural aversion to insects?

Answer 1

In Africa, where we evolved, there are insects that crawl in your ears when asleep, and even today, there are tribes where infants are taught from birth by their mothers to sleep with their head supported on hand and elbow. One of the early African explorers, Speke or Burton, was so afflicted, if memory serves. Also in Africa, there are Tse Tse flies, causing elephantiasis, and malarial mosquitoes, and ticks, as well as stinging insects, so it is an ingrained defence mechanism.

Answer 2

Evolution made us so perfectly so that we can differentiate harmful things from unharmful things.Most insects cause harm.Why do gnus or antelopes run away when  they see a lion.Why do gnus hate insects.If you did not have an aversion to insects i doubt youd still be alive.

Answer 3

I'm afraid... very afraid. I don't know why. They're just so gross looking. Probably because of T.V. or video games. Seeing all kinds of gross things to do with bugs there.

Answer 4

Probably because we are warm blooded and they are cold blooded. Yes, they give me the creeps.

Answer 5

Perhaps because insects are a little creepy...slimy and they make funny noises...

Answer 6

Insects are usually associated with death/decay (such as carrion beetles and flies/maggots), or disease (mosquitos, etc.)  It is to our best interest to have an aversion to them...not too many know what insects are harmful vs non...

A briefer reason...they are just creep  :)

Answer 7

I like insects, for the most part; they're amazing.  (Government conspiracy?  Bad press?  lol)

Answer 8

It is intrinsic, imprinted in our minds is actually a picture of these creatures meant to quickly keep us away from poisonous snakes and spiders without thinking about it first.  If we had need to take the time to consider whether they may be dangerous, we may have been dead for thinking too slow.