Early season insect management for Kansas cotton growers can be a challenge when hot, dry weather occurs during late spring. These conditions cause wheat and other cool season grasses to hasten maturity and force over wintering insects to find an alternative host. Thrips (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) are common in Kansas and pose a serious threat under these conditions. A study was conducted in 2000 and 2001 in south central Kansas to evaluate planting time insecticide application on cotton yields. Planting time insecticides (Orthene, Cruiser, Gaucho, and Thimet) were compared to a foliar application and an untreated control. Above average temperatures in 2000 resulted in heavy thrip pressure during early stages of cotton development. Planting time insecticide treatments increased yields by over 125 lb acre^-1, with the seed treatments having the biggest impact. The primary mechanism of yield increases was through increased bolls plant^-1. In 2001, cooler temperatures and above average rainfall during May reduced thrip pressure, resulting in no differences among the insect management treatments.