Imidacloprid based spray will take care of them as well - "Merit". It is cheaper but not exactly free.

http://www.domyownpestcontrol.com/merit-75-wp-oz-p-300.html?gclid=CjwKEAiAg5_CBRDo4o6e4o3NtG0SJAB-IatYHRYORScajco5Wyus3Z_rT3CISuiF_c2eMeK4qkVLAhoCcNbw_wcB

Problem with the cheaper alternatives - Neem Oil or pirethroid based spray - they work on contact - so you missed several - in no time the colony is back. Part of teh life cycle of thrips is in a soil - I think they pupate there. So a systemic works better than a contact poison. But if your collection is not that large, you are committed to remove the flowers and spray the plants persistently for several weeks - you can get rid of them...hopefully.

Thank you Irina for your input and information. Greatly appreciated and a library of information at this Forum.

I just have a couple more questions about systemic pesticide. I have debudded all plants and ready to do soil part with Merit 75WP. Do I spray, dip or dunk? Should I use on leaves. I will be using 1/8 or less per gallon. I am wicking and soil will be damp when I apply. Should I rinse out after a certain period of time and what would that time period be. I may have other soil issues and hoping this treatment will take care of those also.

Spray. Use it on all above the ground part of the plants. Thrips feed on young leaves as well. It should have a dose on the label. Add a drop or 3 of dishwashing soap for better attachment. - Ivory, Down - something like this. You do not need to rinse the plant. Keep the fishtanks closed if you have fish. It is low grade danger for humans and pets - but fish is more vulnerable. It helps against foliar mealy bugs and fungus gnats if you spray the soil. If you have root mealy bugs - you need to use dry imidacloprid - Marathon or cheaper brands. It doesn't help against mites.

You think you have all bugs in the world - but it is probably not the case. Fungus gnats and thrips - is usually what you bring with your plants from the store. Pretty much every time.

Good Luck

Irina