A person who has an excessive fear of spiders: Some arachnophobics fumigate their homes on a regular basis, wash all fruits and vegetables, and check incoming bags and other containers where spiders might be hiding.

Arachnohobics are usually unable to go on a picnic or stay in strange hotels or houses, and they usually check around themselves when they are outside. Some people have been known to become physically sick at the sight of a arachnid.

One arachnophobic said, "Seeing a spider makes me rigid with terror, hot, trembling, and dizzy. I have occasionally vomited and once I fainted in order to escape from the situation. These symptoms have lasted as long as three or four days after seeing a spider in my house."

"Even realistic pictures can cause the same effect, especially if I place my hand on one by mistake."

Another arachnophobic said, "Recently I came downstairs early in the morning and walked into a spider hanging on a long web and it actually touched my face and in my fear I tore at my face, scratching it in several places, became hysterical, and was bleeding."