Safari can be applied as a basal trunk spray as gives instructions on page 15 of product label for doing so.
Per the product label, you can mix Safari 20SG with a surfactant, but it may not be very helpful for woolly adelgids in particular since they are mostly controlled by ingesting the active ingredient rather than by contact:
Tank mixing with a surfactant may improve control of pests such as whitefly, mealybug and scale. Confirm plant safety of tank mix in small area before using on a commercial scale.
Safari 20SG is mixed at 1.0 tsp per gallon of water to cover 200 sq ft. for a foliar spray application for most treatments. Safari is a fairly complicated product to use, and we want to make sure you are getting the correct usage information, so we are recommending that you contact Valent directly. You can reach Valent by calling 800-682-6368. You will need to also provide the targeting insect as well. Please review the product label for complete directions.
Safari 20 SG Systemic Insecticide will typically last between 6 months to 1 year. Please keep in mind that there are many variables that can influence how long a systemic is still active in the target plant such as soil condition, rainfall, and health of the plant.
We do have various products that are labeled for thrips that can go to California. ImidaPro 4SC is a very good product that can be used as a basal trunk treatment. It is also labeled for certain edibles as well. If you would like another product that contains the active ingredient Dinotefuran, Zylam Liquid Systemic Insecticide would be a good choice and is labeled for thrips. Be sure to check the product label to be sure that it is labeled for your needs. It also comes in a soluble granule formulation, Zylam 20SG Systemic Turf Insecticide.