A field study was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of precision placed aldicarb treatments in comparison with traditional in-furrow applications for the control of thrips in cotton. Early season sampling showed that precision placed aldicarb (Temik®) was as effective in reducing thrips totals as in-furrow applications. No significant differences were found in yield. Residual analysis of plants showed that precision placement plots had significantly more aldicarb and aldicarb metabolites present within the plant than did in-furrow treatments. Precision placement of aldicarb at planting may be an efficient and cost effective method of managing thrips populations in cotton.