Last year I had a couple of cases of thrips.

This year I want to be proactive. All my bushes are starting to leaf out beautifully.

Knowing that winters here are rather mild and short, I want to know what I could be doing now to combat any insects that may be over-wintering in the ground.

After pruning, I put down some sul-po-mag, and gave everyone a spritz of dormant spray for the winter.

Is it a good idea for beneficial nematodes now? Or more worms? OR should I wait for evidence of damage to combat thrips?

Aphids, rust and mildew are par for the course. It's the insects I can't see that I'd like to take aim at NOW, not when there's damage.

Any thoughts?