From 2004 to 2006, a series of 17 replicated "progressive spray" tests were conducted in NC, SC and in GA to gather information about the relationship between various spray protection levels for primarily stink bugs and their influence on boll damage, yield and lint quality. The results of these tests suggest that recommmending higher boll damage thresholds for stink bugs may be appropriate both early and late during the boll production period, potentially targeting scouting efforts towards the bug-susceptible part of boll set, thus potentially reducing unneeded insecticide applications.