The basic suggestion has been to hang or place traps vertically, at or slightly below the tops of crops. This works well for most species, but horizontal traps will be more effective in trapping silverleaf whiteflies early in a poinsettia crop. These traps may be placed face up on bench or potting mix surfaces. Place traps where they will be most efficient. For western flower thrips, place traps facing all four directions among the most favored plants for thrips infestation, not the most virus-susceptible crop.
Place traps around crop perimeters as well as within the crop.
Learning pest I.D. Pictorial guides, experience, and attending workshops and grower meetings are helpful and necessary. This may not be easy at first, because many pests are quite small. With experience you will become acquainted with the major pest groups and will be able to easily identify them. If you are not sure, send samples to your nearest pest diagnostic clinic. Be certain to wrap the sticky traps in clear plastic wrap before sending.