How I Overcame My Fear of Spiders—and Why You Don’t Have to Love Them to Help Them

I overcame my fear of spiders by learning about them. But whether you love these 8-legged animals, fear them, or fall somewhere in the middle, one thing’s certain: Spiders don’t want to harm you. And even if you find spiders scary—you still have the power to help them.

What Causes a Fear of Spiders?

From horror movies to Halloween props, spiders are unfairly painted as “villains.” But most spiders are harmless, shy, and essential members of our ecosystem. They help recycle organic matter and spin some of nature’s most astonishing architecture.

Is It Okay to Be Scared of Spiders?

Fear is okay—but you don’t have to be brave to choose compassion. When you spot a spider in your home, just leave her be, scoop her gently into a cup, or open a window. You can be scared and kind at the same time.

Ways to Overcome a Fear of Spiders

• Educate Yourself: The more you learn about spiders—their role in nature, their personalities, their biology—the less scary they may seem. So watch nature documentaries. Read about spider mothers who carry their babies on their backs. You may find your fear melting into fascination.
• Practice Compassionate Catch-and-Release: Use a humane bug catcher or the easy glass-and-paper method to gently relocate spiders outside.
• Challenge Your Fear: Ask yourself, “Why am I afraid of spiders in the first place? Where did it come from?” Start seeing them as survivors, tiny, hardworking beings just trying to live.

What You Can Do for Spiders—Even if They Scare You

You don’t have to love spiders to be a kind human. So, the next time a spider appears in your home—whether she’s dangling from the ceiling or nestled in a dark corner—take a breath and remember: She’s not trying to scare you.

And please—never buy tarantulas, jumping spiders, or any other type of spider. They deserve freedom, not life behind glass in a pet store, classroom, or film set. You can do something to help spiders right now.