I hate bugs

Bugs.
Bugs used to be interesting little creatures that would capture my children's attention and make for very entertaining outings. There was the time my oldest found a caterpillar on a park bench and proceeded to study it for about 45 minutes while I sat and read a magazine. Great day, very peaceful.
Now, they are terrifying creatures. Anything that buzzes must have stinging potential and will send both children screaming into the house. It started about a year ago, when we were living in Utah, where for some reason there were lots of bees. Everytime Kellie saw a "yellow jacket" she would run for cover and then her little sister learned to do the same. I have literally had to peel Megan off of my leg when a fly got in the house. "A fly, a fly, a FLY, Mommy kill it with the smacker!!" So I have to kill it with the smacker or else she won't be able to eat, sleep, live in the house, until the job is done. We have explained that flies really don't do anything, but still, it could she says.
So the other night my husband was reading a book about insects, I believe given to us by a cousin - must be sure to send a thank you note for that one - and it has a lovely description of mosquitoes. Something about how they will attack humans and suck their blood. Ok, I don't think that was the exact wording, but clearly what our 5 year old heard because we have not been able to enjoy any time outside for the last week since learning about these terrifying creatures.
I have tried to tell them its ok. I even shared my stories of my childhood when I would have tons of mosquito bites on my legs and my mom would put pink calamine lotion on the bites. Of course today its not that simple and I'm just waiting for a news story about West Nile or something.
Wish us luck returning to the outdoors with all of the dangerous bugs...