[Aim]  To evaluate the susceptibility of populations of Frankliniella occidentalis in the Shilin area of Kunming to 6 commonly used insecticides, assess the efficacy of these, and identify more effective control agents for controlling this pest. [Methods]  The TIBS bioassay method was used to assess the toxicity of the 6 different insecticides to each population. A double-dose field efficacy test (using the recommended dose and twice the recommended dose of each pesticide) was conducted to determine the efficacy of each pesticide. [Results]  All populations of F. occidentalis had ratios of resistance to the tested pesticides of < 5-fold and were therefore susceptible. Field trial results showed that 6% spinetoram suspension concentrate and 10 billion spores∙g^﹣1 Metarhizium anisopliae suspension concentrate, were most effective against F. occidentalis. The control efficacy of 6% spinetoram suspension concentrate reached 91.01% just 3 d after application, which is excellent, rapid effectiveness. The control efficacy of 10 billion spores∙g^﹣1 M. anisopliae suspension concentrate reached 74.92% 7 d after application, which is good sustained effectiveness. [Conclusion]  Based on the results of toxicity tests and field efficacy trials, 6% spinetoram suspension concentrate was the best of six insecticides tested for controlling F. occidentalis. To delay the development of pesticide resistance this should be used in rotation with 12% chlorfenapyr·lufenuron suspension concentrate and 10 billion spores∙g^﹣1 M. anisopliae suspension concentrate.