The UK is home to around 660 different species of spider, and while none of them are poisonous, that doesn’t stop us all being a little bit terrified of the creepy crawlies.
While most of us might run into another room if we spot an eight-legged critter in our homes, one woman is taking more extreme measures.
Estella Kyriacou, 25, is so scared, that she’s installed a tent over her bed as extra protection.
‘Some may call me insane,’ she said. ‘But I think it’s genius.’
The London-based arachnophobe has long had a phobia of spiders, and was horrified when she spotted one in her Clapham flat last year.
She was so distraught, that she even moved into her flatmate’s bedroom for a period of time.
After eventually plucking up the courage to return to her own bedroom, she took drastic measures.
Estella’s first step was to order a mosquito tent on Amazon, but still not satisfied, she has now fixed a tent to her bed for the ultimate protection.
She’s been sleeping under the tent for the past four months – and, she has no plans to change her night-time set up.
Estella, a law student, said: ‘I’ve not seen any spiders since using the tent.
‘But my flatmate, Imogen, and I are too scared of spiders to catch them if they get in the flat.’
Estella does recognise though that when it comes to extreme fear, sometimes it’s best to confront the issue head on.
She added: ‘I don’t really think a psychologist or psychiatrist would be too impressed by it – I know I’m avoiding my fears.
‘But I’m a drama queen – and I’ve been sleeping in it for so long now that it feels normal to me!
‘I know I’m insane – but I’m self aware.’
Arachnophobia is pretty common and there are ways to treat it (though those with the fear might not like the idea).
Exposure therapy is one way to tackle it. In one study, scientists found that people exposed to a series of pictures of spiders for just ten minutes recorded lower fear responses to the creature.
Other options include hypnotherapy, with one therapist claiming he can use hypnosis to cure your fear of spiders altogether.
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