Management options for early-season pest control in cotton were compared from 1985 to 1983 in the San Joaquin Valley (SJ-V) California. Comparisons of a systemic insecticide (Temik) applied in-furrow at planting with over the top miticides were evaluated from 8 field trials. Results of the analysis of variance from four years of field data show a significant yield advantage from the early-season control provided by the Temik at planting. Average yield increase from the Temik was 183 lb. lint per acre. Field monitoring of spider mites, Tetranychus spp., using the U. C. presence/absence (P/A) method, shows that Temik at planting suppressed early mite populations. The non-systemic treatments experienced earlier and higher mite populations prior to the application of over the top miticides. Data collected in 1989 on general predator populations, big eyed bugs, Geocoris spp. and minute pirate bugs, Orius spp., show that Temik at planting or sidedressed prior to first irrigation did not affect the occurrence of beneficial predators.