It sounds as if you are using Bob Schwarz's thrips formula which I mentioned on this forum a couple of years ago. But the time to spray for thrips is when scapes are formed. The first spraying should take place about 2 weeks before you anticipate first bloom and then about 10 days after that.

Are you certain you are talking about thrips, as they mostly affect the buds and blooms ( particularly red and purple blooms) during the main part of bloom season. Most of my plants are just up 6-12 inches and some not that much. It is way too early to see scapes here yet.

I am getting ready to do a first spraying for APHIDS this week - put if off yesterday as they were calling for storms. I rotate between a couple of insecticides for aphids, which do go after the foliage early in the season.
Aphids are sucking insects and DO show up early- they show up as little white flecks down in the new tender growth as the fans are just coming up. I saw a few plants with aphids yesterday and will be spraying them this week.

About the only thing I've done this season so far is to mulch the garden and broadcast a first application of Milorganite around the garden. I will follow with an application of Osmocoate in a couple of weeks and will spray ( fungicide and insecticide)over the next couple of days.

Can you see thrips? They are so small I don't see how. They really aren't a bother to daylilies leaves, just ruin the blooms. I agree that the time to deal with thrips is when you start to see scapes. Spray them and then spray again two weeks later with a systemic insecticide. I use Bonide Brand Systemic Insect Control. The the buds well.

Thanks for the info.If I can't see thrip then its Aphids, because I can see whatever is (sucking the heck out of my daylilies)Foota, what do you use for aphids?By name please.Thanks Pat

Pat, you know you could use that Bonide Brand Systemic Insect Control I recommed for Aphids as well as thrips.