Science | phobias The Most Common Phobias Don't like spiders and snakes? Join the club! By Marie Morris Posted Oct 31, 2009 3:07 PM CDT Copied Keeper John Mostyn lets a diamond python wrap itself around his head at Sydney Wildlife World, Oct. 1, 2009. (AP Photo) In honor of Halloween, LiveScience reveals the most common phobias. If you still need a costume, you'll scare the most people by playing on their evolutionarily sensible fear of creatures with venomous fangs. The top terrors: Snakes Spiders and other "creepy crawlies" Places that are difficult to escape, such as elevators Other people Heights The dark Bad weather, especially thunder and lightning Flying Dogs The dentist Read These Next Trump aide gives punny response to Springsteen. Brazilian influencer is dead at 27 after cosmetic surgery. Hundreds offer to adopt dog abandoned at airport. President Trump struck defiant tone after tariffs loss at court. Report an error