Bottom pic is aphids. Top pic looks more like scale or mealybugs.
Blasting them off in the mornings with water is the least expensive control.
Insecticidal soaps could be used for populations that are getting out of control.
Introducing predators can be expensive, and sometimes they don't stick around. But if you have them or introduce them, be careful about resorting to insecticides.
Then there are cultural things you can do. Healthy plants have a better chance of surviving insect attack. Keep them well fertilised, watered, mulched and use good sanitary practices, remove diseased or damaged leaves and keep it tidy around the bed.
ady bugs should be released in the late evening and the release area should be lightly misted before hand. They will be thirsty. Even better you can spray with a product called "bug chow" which will help keep them around. I used to buy a gallon every year! Lacewings and tricograma wasps are also good beneficials. Praying Mantises are fun but may eat your other beneficial insects.
Add 4 tsp Neem oil and 1 tsp Castile soap. (you can use liquid dish detergent) to 1 gallon of warm water. Shake well and then spray. For only a quart just reduce the ratio.
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Thuridide (Bacillis Thuringenis) is for larva (e.g. caterpillars). It is rather targeted which is good, but won't work on aphids and thrips. There's also a sub species BT isrealensis (*) that kills mosquito larva.
If you do spray BT it is common practice to add soap as it serves two purposes - one as an insecticide and also as a spread-sticker. You can also add foliar feed to your blend which will give the plants a boost and help them survive the bugs.
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