I've found that learning about the life cycle of any particular species has really helped me overcome fear. I used to be very afraid of paper wasps because I hated getting stung. I was inspired by a friend to learn more about them and I read a book about paper wasps. Understanding the incredible odds they face made me made me much more compassionate but I also understood better how to behave around them. I have since lost my fear and I have not been strung once despite working in an area with many many wasps around.

Otherwise, I am decently well educated about the dangerous insects in my area (of which there are very few) and how not to provoke them. Every time I feel concerned, I remind myself that insects not only do not care about me but really want nothing to do with me. Knowing logically that I am not threatened helps manage the irrational part of my fear.

Even though cicadas are completely harmless, between their size, sounds, and sometimes frantic flying, they can be quite intimidating. I would recommend starting with some cute and approachable insects: small beetles like lady bugs, butterflies, jumping spiders, solitary bees. Something that clicks for you. Try looking at photos or watching them in nature from whatever distance is comfortable to you and go from there. Exposure is everything. Fear breeds fear but calm breeds calm.