The effect of a systemic application of imidacloprid (Admire 2F®) on the settling of Frankliniella occidentalis (Pergande) (western flower thrips) and Frankliniella fusca (Hinds) (tobacco thrips) (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) was studied with leaf-choice tests in peanut and tomato. Settling behavior of F. occidentalis was significantly increased (by 48%) in peanut, but was not affected in tomato with a systemic application of imidacloprid by soil drench. Settling of F. fusca was significantly reduced by the same imidacloprid treatment in tomato (by 32%), but not in peanut. These results indicate that at-planting soil-applied imidacloprid in the field can increase the presence of flower thrips (F. occidentalis) in peanut, but decrease foliage thrips (F. fusca) in tomato. Thus, where early-season transmission of virus by F fusca is a primary concern in tomato, imidacloprid could provide some benefit in thrips vector management by reducing the amount of thrips settling on leaves.