Grasshoppers are voracious pests that can eat large amounts of foliage, vegetables, and crops. To control grasshoppers naturally, introduce biological controls like Nosema locustae (a protozoan that infects and kills grasshoppers) or use neem oil as a repellent. Apply diatomaceous earth around plants to dehydrate grasshoppers. Use barriers like floating row covers to protect young plants. Encourage natural predators like birds, praying mantises, and parasitic flies. For severe infestations, use chemical controls like carbaryl or permethrin. Prevention is key: maintain a healthy garden, remove weeds (grasshoppers lay eggs in weedy areas), and till soil in fall to destroy egg pods.
What you will need
Understand Grasshopper Behavior and Life Cycle
What they look like: Large insects (1-3 inches) with powerful hind legs for jumping. Colors vary from green to brown.
Life cycle: Eggs laid in soil in fall (in pods). Nymphs (wingless) hatch in spring. Adults emerge in mid-summer.
Feeding habits: They eat large amounts of foliage, vegetables, and crops. They can be devastating in large numbers.
When they're active: Grasshoppers are active during the day, especially in warm weather.
Why they're a problem: A single grasshopper can eat 30-50% of its body weight daily. Large populations can strip gardens bare.
Use Biological Control (Nosema locustae)
How it works: Nosema locustae is a protozoan that infects grasshoppers, causing them to stop feeding and die. It's safe for beneficial insects and wildlife.
How to apply: Use a bait containing Nosema locustae (like Semaspore or Nolo Bait). Apply to the soil and plants where grasshoppers feed.
Timing: Apply in spring when grasshopper nymphs are young (less than 1/2 inch).
Benefits: It provides long-term control and reduces the population over time.
Patience: It takes 1-2 weeks for the effect to be visible.
Apply Neem Oil
How it works: Neem oil acts as a repellent and growth regulator. It disrupts grasshopper feeding and development.
How to use: Mix 1-2 teaspoons of cold-pressed neem oil with 1 quart of warm water and a few drops of mild soap. Spray on affected plants.
Application: Apply every 7-14 days, especially during the growing season.
Benefits: It's safe for beneficial insects when applied correctly.
Tip: Spray in the evening to avoid burning leaves.
Use Diatomaceous Earth
How it works: Diatomaceous earth is made from fossilized algae. The sharp edges cut the grasshopper's exoskeleton, causing dehydration and death.
How to use: Sprinkle a ring of diatomaceous earth around plants, garden beds, or individual plants.
Reapplication: Reapply after rain and every 1-2 weeks.
Caution: Avoid applying directly on plants—it can harm beneficial insects.
Tip: Use food-grade diatomaceous earth for safety.
Use Floating Row Covers
How it works: Row covers create a physical barrier that prevents grasshoppers from reaching plants.
How to use: Drape row covers over plants and secure the edges with soil or rocks.
Best for: Young plants, vegetables, and high-value crops.
Light: Row covers allow light and water to reach plants.
Removal: Remove covers when plants are established or for pollination.
Encourage Natural Predators
Birds: Many birds eat grasshoppers. Provide bird feeders, birdbaths, and nesting boxes.
Praying mantises: Mantises eat grasshoppers. Buy egg cases and release them in your garden.
Parasitic flies: Tachinid flies lay eggs on grasshoppers. Plant flowers to attract them.
Toads: Toads eat grasshoppers. Provide shallow water and shelter.
Benefit: Natural predators provide long-term, sustainable control.
Remove Habitat and Food Sources
Remove weeds: Grasshoppers lay eggs in weedy areas. Remove weeds to reduce egg-laying sites.
Keep grass short: Short grass provides less cover for grasshoppers.
Till soil: Till soil in fall to destroy egg pods.
Remove debris: Remove piles of leaves, rocks, and other debris.
Clean up: Clean up garden debris after harvest to remove food sources.
Use Chemical Controls (If Necessary)
When to use: Use chemical controls for severe infestations or when other methods have failed.
What to use: Products containing carbaryl, permethrin, or bifenthrin are effective.
How to apply: Follow label instructions. Apply when grasshoppers are actively feeding.
Caution: Chemical controls can harm beneficial insects, pets, and wildlife. Use sparingly.
Safety: Wear gloves and protective clothing when applying.
Common problems and fixes
| Problem | Likely cause | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Grasshoppers returning quickly | New adults moving in or eggs hatching. | Apply Nosema locustae and remove habitat. Treat newly hatched nymphs. |
| Biological control not working | Applied too late or weather conditions. | Apply in spring when nymphs are young. Keep soil moist after application. |
| Repellents not working | Not reapplying or weather conditions. | Reapply after rain and every 1-2 weeks. |
| Grasshoppers in large numbers | Favorable weather conditions. | Use a combination of methods: biological control, repellents, and natural predators. |
Gardener's checklist
Test what you learned
What is the most effective biological control for grasshoppers?
Answer: Nosema locustae
When is the best time to apply biological controls?
Answer: Spring (nymphs)
What does neem oil do to grasshoppers?
Answer: Repels and disrupts growth
What is a natural predator of grasshoppers?
Answer: Praying mantises
What should you do in fall to prevent grasshoppers?
Answer: Till soil to destroy egg pods
Common questions
Do grasshoppers bite humans?
Grasshoppers may nibble on skin but don't bite humans. They're primarily plant-eaters.
How long do grasshoppers live?
Adult grasshoppers live 2-3 months. The entire life cycle (egg to adult) takes about 6-8 weeks.
Can grasshoppers kill plants?
Yes, large populations can defoliate plants and kill them. They can devastate gardens and crops.
Do birds eat grasshoppers?
Yes, many birds eat grasshoppers, including robins, bluebirds, and chickens. Attract them to your garden for natural control.
Is Nosema locustae safe for pets?
Yes, Nosema locustae is safe for pets, wildlife, and beneficial insects. It only affects grasshoppers and related insects.
Grasshoppers can devastate gardens and crops, but you can control them with a combination of methods. Apply biological controls like Nosema locustae in spring when nymphs are young. Use neem oil as a repellent and diatomaceous earth as a contact killer. Protect young plants with floating row covers. Encourage natural predators like birds, praying mantises, and parasitic flies. Remove weeds and till soil in fall to destroy egg pods. With persistence and a multi-method approach, you can keep grasshoppers from damaging your garden.
Frequently asked questions
How often should a vegetable garden be watered?
Frequency depends on weather, soil and plant size. Check the soil rather than watering on a rigid schedule.
Is compost enough fertilizer?
Compost improves soil and provides nutrients slowly. Heavy-feeding crops may still need additional feeding.
The Sproutstead Editorial Team
We create clear, practical gardening and homesteading guides designed for real homes and beginner growers.
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