Helping kids get over traumatic events???

I have a son who is almost 5 years old. Over the summer, he was at his babysitters house and was stung 17 times by wasps. He isn't allergic, thank god, but he was in a lot of pain for several days and had to be on quite a bit of antihistamines, and fever reducers to help him feel better because of the number of wasp stings. This was several months ago, and he is fine now.

Except now anytime he sees a bug of any kind he freaks out and screams and cries. I know this event must have been terrifying for him, it was for me. But he has started having nightmares about wasps chasing him. I am wondering if there is any suggestions you may have about helping him get over this, ways to help him not be so afraid, or anything you have went through and how you handled the situation.

also, he saw a beetle in the bathroom the other day and poured water all over the floor trying to kill it.

If you find out; let me know...
I was attacked by a wasps nest when I was 2.5...had over 100 stings & almost died. Anytime a wasp is by me now I get terrible anxiety & freak out.

Do you have like a butterfly garden or conservatory in your area usually they have exhibits of assorted insects both alive and dead you can look at and explore this may benefit him to look at them and discover them. Hope this helps good luck to you and your little guy

My son was bit on the finger by a carpenter ant at my mother’s house at two and a half and now at three he is still terrified of bugs I have been trying to instead call the bugs by their names like moth, butterfly, beetle and getting rid of the bug word all together. I also spoke to a counselor and she recommended plastic bugs and to tell your child when he sees something like a lady bug that it's a good bug so he knows there are good and bad bugs and which ones he should stay away from. My son is still scared of them but it has worked a little. Good luck.

Quoting Mrs cree:" Do you have like a butterfly garden or conservatory in your area usually they have exhibits of assorted ... [snip!] ... at and explore this may benefit him to look at them and discover them. Hope this helps good luck to you and your little guy"

That isn't a bad idea, I don't think there are any close by, but I would think I could find something near enough to do a weekend trip.

my whole elementary school class was attacked by a hornet's nest when I was in the 2nd grade. Im still really scared of bugs of any sort. never got over it and probably never will unfortunately. I still scream when i have to kill a big bug myself when my husband isnt here.
If i had any suggestions i would try taking him to the zoo to look at bugs, read about bugs, help him learn that bugs arent all dangerous. try systematic desensitization. it means that you keep getting him closer to real bugs (start with pictures or something) until he is not afraid. it wouldnt be a fun thing to do but it might help with his fear.