pests defensive plants vs bugs

[spicy_echo]

Last year I had a minor/major thrip problem. I was thinking this year I would try planting more plants to deter such insects. What do you guys recommend? I've read that the brighter colors can attract the thrip (Western flower thrips to be exact). Is it worth planting to actually attract them or just leave it be and just spray when you see them? I know now that last year I had thrips covered on my plants. The nymph feeds off of budding flowers/peppers.

Just trying to get a game plan for when I plant out here in the next couple of weeks.

Thanks!

 

[JoynersHotPeppers]

I am a big fan of planting all kinds of plants and herbs to attract beneficial bugs, I rarely have an issue with the bad bugs.

 

[scrufy]

I grew a few huge basil plants last year amidst my peppers and they seemed to take the brunt of bad guys.
Might have just been luck as I never tried targeting bugs this way. It just worked out good for me.