Sticky fly traps for thrips and other pests - Can you set them before the problem?

Hello, so I'm growing some plants in my friend's house outdoors and they have been invaded by thrips. First question, they are almost done, can they still be smoked?

Second question, by researching I see that you get rid of the thrips with neem oil but you also prevent them with sticky fly traps. I don't know if this is something you should do when the problem is just starting or you can always set a trap for prevention.

Is it recommended to set the trap next to the plant as prevention before any bugs? I'm planning to grow on my balcony outdoors, same city.

YES!
Many of us do just that to actually monitor if we start to get a problem!

Pick up a bug, identify it, and treat (if need be) accordingly!

I put yellow traps high and low, same with the Blue's.
I cover the pot zone and the near canopy level in my gardens.

Some of the best bud I smoked had bugs... Nature is fucked up sometimes.