Predaceous arthropods and bollworms (Helicoverpa zea [Boddie]) were monitored throughout the season in large plots of conventional and B. t. cotton with and without applications of a broad-spectrum insecticide in early season to disrupt beneficials. Cyhalothrin was applied as needed for bollworm control in disrupted and non-disrupted conventional plots and spinosyn was utilized in a similar way in B.t. plots. Spinosyn was also applied for bollworm control in previously untreated conventional plots. Early-season applications of acephate to conventional or B.t. cotton prior to the bollworm flight caused reductions in predators (geocorids, ants and spiders) that lasted throughout the season. These applications resulted in higher numbers of bollworms later in the season that required more insecticide for control compared to plots that were untreated in early season. Application of broad-spectrum insecticides to cotton in early season should be avoided unless absolutely necessary for control of crop-damaging pests that exceed well-defined treatment thresholds.