Fear of termites (isopterophobia)

Isopterophobia is a fear of termites, the small wood-eating insects that live in huge colonies. Because termites are rarely seen in the UK, the fear often shows up when planning trips to warmer countries, watching nature programmes, or worrying about damage to the timber in a home.

About this phobia

The name comes from Isoptera, the scientific order termites were long placed in. It is not a recognised clinical diagnosis and appears mostly on lists of phobias, but it sits under the broader and well documented fear of insects, known as entomophobia.

What it feels like

• A creeping, itchy feeling when termites are mentioned or shown
• Checking wooden furniture, floors or beams for tiny holes or dust
• Avoiding holidays or documentaries where termites might appear

Explore more unusual fears in the rare phobias A to Z, or browse the common phobias.

Common questions

Are there termites in the UK?

Termites are not a normal part of UK wildlife, and finding them here is very unusual. Even so, a fear does not need a local threat to feel real, and pictures, films or travel plans can be enough to set it off.

How can you help?

I use hypnotherapy and NLP to change how your mind responds to the thing you fear, so the old alarm stops going off. Sessions are one to one over Zoom, and you get a recording of the hypnosis to listen to afterwards.

How many sessions will I need?

Many clients notice a real difference after one 90 minute session. If the fear goes back a long way, three sessions gives us room to make the change stick.

Ready to start?

Book a £49 consultation call and we’ll talk through your fear, or take the free suitability test first.

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