The Oxford English Dictionary describes herpetophobia as an irrational fear of reptiles, particularly snakes and lizards. The word comes from the Greek herpeton, meaning creeping or crawling animal, and phobos, meaning fear.

For people with Herpetophobia, the presence of a snake or lizard can trigger intense anxiety, panic, or a strong urge to avoid the animal entirely. This reaction is more common than many people realise, particularly in Australia where reptiles are a normal part of the environment. While most reptiles prefer to avoid humans and play an important role in controlling pests, the fear can still feel overwhelming. For this reason, many homeowners choose to contact a trained snake catcher or reptile handler to safely remove the animal and relocate it away from the property.