How To Get Rid Of Grasshoppers In Yard

1. Handpicking

Handpicking is an effective method to control small infestations in your yard. Although it appears to be time-consuming, it’s a chemical-free and environmentally friendly approach.

Morning or late afternoon is the perfect time to handpick as they are highly active during this time. To begin, arm yourself with a container filled with soapy water, which will prevent grasshoppers from jumping away and eventually kill them. Once you spot an adult grasshopper or nymph, quickly grasp it with your fingers and transfer it to the soapy water container.

2. Attract Natural Predators 

One of the most effective and environmentally friendly ways to control grasshopper populations is to help their natural predators to take up residence in your yard. Birds (sparrows, robins, and blue jays), spiders and praying mantises are some examples of such predators that relish a grasshopper meal.

You can attract birds by planting berry bushes or fruit trees, spiders by not using harmful pesticides and introducing praying mantis eggs by purchasing. These beneficial creatures can significantly reduce grasshopper numbers without resorting to harmful chemicals.

3. Remove Habitat 

Mowing your lawn regularly means offering fewer hiding places and food sources to grasshoppers.  Regular mowing can disrupt their habitat and discourage them from settling in your yard.

Another probable shelter and egg-laying site of grasshoppers is weeds. So, by keeping your yard clean and free of clutter, you can reduce their population.

4. Traps

Traps like glass and water, bottles and sticky traps are a few commonly used techniques to control the grasshopper population. In glass and water traps, a glass panel is vertically placed, when a grasshopper flies into it, it will fall into a container of soapy water placed below.

In the case of bottle traps, the top of the bottle is cut off and inserted into the bottle in an inverted position. Some grass or brait is placed inside the bottle, once grasshoppers enter it they won't be able to escape. Sticky traps can be purchased and placed near grasshopper hotspots.

5. Beneficial Plants/ Companion Planting

This natural way not only deters grasshoppers but also keeps other pests harmful to your yard away. Cilantro, calendula and dill are some examples of such plants. 

Known for its strong, distinct aroma, cilantro can create a protective barrier against grasshoppers near your vulnerable plants. The vibrant flower calendula also possesses a strong scent that can help keep grasshoppers at bay. Moreover, dill has a pungent aroma that can deter grasshoppers. 

6. Diatomaceous Earth (Food-Grade)

Diatomaceous earth (DE) is made from fossilized diatoms. This product is formulated by grinding these microscopic aquatic organisms into a fine powder. The microscopic blades present in it can pierce the exoskeletons of insects including grasshoppers.

This causes dehydration and eventually leads to their death. To use DE (food-grade as they are not toxic to pets and humans) for grasshopper control, apply a thin, even layer around the base of plants, along walkways, and in other areas where grasshoppers are active.

7. Physical Barrier

Using physical barriers like row covers and mesh netting is a reliable method to protect vulnerable plants from grasshopper damage. You can use row covers to drape over plants to create a protective shield. They are more effective for smaller gardens or smaller plants.

For larger areas or taller plants, mesh netting can be used to create a protective enclosure. These covers or netting however should to be removed when plants require pollination or when harvesting.

8. Plant Diversity

Grasshoppers prefer monocultures, a yard setting where single plant species dominate. By introducing a diverse plant ecosystem in your yard, you disrupt their preferred habitat.

You can incorporate a mix of herbs, flowers, vegetables, and shrubs. Some plants have natural repellant properties that can deter grasshoppers and some can attract beneficial insects that prey on grasshoppers. Strong-scented herbs like rosemary, mint, and oregano are some plants effective to deter grasshoppers.

9. Baits

Grasshopper baits can be purchased or homemade. They typically contain a food attractant mixed with an insecticide. If you are planning to make homemade bait, you can try mixing wheat bran with a small amount of insecticide and placing it in shallow dishes around your yard.

10. Neem Oil (Natural Insecticide)

Neem oil is a natural plant-based oil extracted from the neem tree. Neem oil works by disrupting the feeding behavior of grasshoppers, making treated plants less appealing. To use, dilute the neem oil and use it to thoroughly spray plants. Repeat the process every 7 to 10 days.

Neem oil also interferes with the grasshopper's molting process, preventing them from reaching adulthood. Furthermore, they can deter female grasshoppers from laying eggs.

11. Kaolin Clay 

Kaolin clay is a naturally occurring mineral. When mixed with water and sprayed onto plants, it forms a thin, white film on the leaves. This film disrupts the insect's ability to climb, feed, and lay eggs. The clay's texture also irritates the insect's body, stopping them from returning.

For maximum effect, apply the mixture evenly to all plant surfaces, including stems, leaves, and fruits. Make sure that the plants are completely covered for optimal protection.

12. Homemade Sprays 

While not as potent as commercial insecticides, homemade sprays using garlic or chili pepper can deter grasshoppers due to their strong odors and tastes. To make a garlic/ chili pepper spray, blend a few cloves of garlic/ chili peppers with water. Steep the mixture for a few hours, strain it, and you are all set to go!

You can add a drop of liquid soap to help the mixture adhere to plants. Spray the solution directly on plants, focusing on leaves and stems.

13. Insecticides 

Chemical insecticides should be used as a last resort for controlling grasshopper populations, with extreme caution. Broad-spectrum insecticides like carbaryl and malathion can be used to control grasshoppers.

Apply insecticides directly to areas with high grasshopper populations to minimize environmental impact. It is necessary to keep in mind that these insecticides can be harmful to beneficial insects.

If you're overwhelmed by a grasshopper infestation or have tried various DIY methods without success, seeking professional help is advisable. Some of the professional services offered are listed below:

14. Preventive Treatments

Professional pest control services often employ a range of preventive measures to deter grasshopper infestations. These treatments focus on creating an unfavorable environment for grasshoppers to thrive.

Professionals may recommend specific mowing heights and fertilization schedules, adjusting landscaping to reduce hiding spots and food sources and debris removal.

15. Curative Treatments

When a grasshopper infestation has already occurred, professional pest control services employ various curative treatments to effectively reduce the population. Professionals have access to a wider range of insecticides specifically designed for grasshopper control which are very potent. They may also help establish bait stations.

16. Integrated Pest Management (IPM)

Many professional pest control companies adopt an IPM approach, combining multiple control methods for optimal results. This might include a combination of chemical and non-chemical treatments, as well as monitoring and evaluation of the grasshopper population.

17. For Future Infestations

Professional pest control services also offer treatments to prevent future grasshopper infestations. A key component of this is targeting the grasshopper life cycle, including destroying eggs.

They can identify grasshopper egg pods and remove them to prevent hatching and in some cases may apply soil treatments as a part of a prevention plan.

Visible Grasshoppers

The most obvious sign is an increasing number of grasshoppers in your yard. Check out for adults and nymphs.

Plant Damage

Chewed leaves, stems, and flowers are clear indicators of grasshopper activity. Inspect for ragged edges, holes, or missing plant parts in your yard.

Egg Pods

Grasshopper egg pods are often found in the soil, particularly in sheltered areas like under rocks or plant debris. They resemble small, foamy masses.

Grasshopper Chirping

Listen if there is any distinctive chirping sound made by male grasshoppers. While not always present, it can be a sign of a larger population.

Rather than a single approach, preventing grasshoppers from returning to your yard involves a combination of strategies that target their habitat, food sources, and life cycle.

Habitat Modification

The habitat of grasshoppers can be disrupted by regular mowing, doing so reduces their hiding places. It is also important to remove weeds and other vegetation that can serve as a food source and shelter. Maintain a clean yard to eliminate potential egg-laying sites.

Crop Rotation and Plant Selection

If grasshoppers have previously sheltered in your yard, crop rotation can be a perfect way to discourage them from re-entering. Rotating crops has the potential to disrupt grasshopper feeding habits.

Plants that act as natural repellents for grasshoppers can be incorporated into the yard as another effective strategy. 

Keeping Natural Predators Intact on Your Yard

To stop grasshoppers from entering your yard, it's better to keep natural predators in your yard intact. These predators, like insects and birds, won't allow grasshoppers to even enter your place! 

Monitoring and Early Action

Early action is the key to stop the severe infestation of grasshoppers. Check your yard regularly for signs of grasshopper activity, such as egg pods or nymphs and address small infestations promptly to prevent them from escalating.

Grasshoppers are typically medium to large insects. The length of adults of these insects ranges from about 1 to 7 centimeters depending on the species. Their bodies are generally divided into three main parts: the head (which bears short antennae), thorax, and abdomen.

Physical Characteristics

Grasshoppers have a wide thorax that tapers towards the abdomen. Their most distinctive feature is their powerful hind legs, adapted for jumping. They are masters of camouflage, they mostly appear green and often blend in with their surroundings through colors like brown or gray.

The nymphs, also called hoppers, look like miniature versions of adult grasshoppers but without wings. They typically have a softer body and are often paler in color. They molt several times to change into adults.

Grasshoppers are herbivores. It means the abundance of their preferred plants in your yard can attract them. This includes grasses, alfalfa, clover, and various garden plants.

Being herbivores, the diet of grasshoppers only consists of plants. These insects are voracious feeders and can consume a significant amount of vegetation. The grass is a staple food for many grasshopper species.

Besides grasses, they consume leaves from a wide variety of plants, flowers, stems (causing damage to seedlings) and seeds (especially during periods of food scarcity). While most grasshoppers are strict herbivores, there have been some observations of them occasionally feeding on dead insects or small insects like aphids.

Grasshoppers are diverse insects with numerous species worldwide. Some of the most common types include:

Short-horned Grasshoppers 

These are the most familiar type. These grasshoppers have relatively short antennae and are often herbivorous. Many species within this family are known to form swarms and become locusts under specific conditions.

Lubber Grasshoppers 

Characterized by their large size and often brightly colored bodies, lubber grasshoppers are primarily found in the Americas. Unlike many other grasshoppers, they are slow-moving and often heavily defended with toxic chemicals.

Pygmy Grasshoppers 

These are small, often wingless grasshoppers that resemble miniature versions of their larger counterparts. They are typically found in grassy habitats and can easily hide in yards because of their ability to camouflage.