The Best Ways to Get Rid of Grasshoppers

Grasshoppers are destructive causing much damage to garden plants and food crops, even at the juvenile (nymph) stage they can become an issue. These garden pests can live for months and if action is not taken immediately can reduce a healthy or dream garden to a nightmare. There are estimated to be more than 10,000 species of grasshoppers worldwide of this number 600 species roughly can be found through the U.S., and about 30 of these species cause serious damage to edible and ornamental plants.

The presence of grasshoppers in your garden is not a death sentence because there are effective methods that have proven to reduce their population so that they will no longer be a threat to your garden or landscape, for more on grasshopper management here is what to do.

8 Effective Methods for Grasshopper Management

1. Natural Predators

A safe approach to grasshopper management is to attract birds to your garden, by either hanging up a bird feeder or installing native plants that attract birds. Some of these plants include zinnias, aster, holly, coneflowers, sunflowers, marigolds, elderberry, coreopsis, lantanas, trumpet honeysuckle, etc… Only install plants native to your zone.

2. Handpicking Them

If you have a small population of grasshoppers and are up for it you can squash them or take a bucket or container of soapy water with you into your garden, catching and placing them in the soapy water will eliminate them. This method as said earlier should only be used on a handful of grasshoppers visiting your garden. Also installing certain plants in your garden will attract birds using grasshoppers as a food source. Some of these plants include asters, common milkweed, sunflowers, coneflowers, sunflower chickadees, zinnias, etc.. plants that are native to your zone should only be used.

3. Cover Plants

Garden plants can be protected by the use of floating plastic sheeting or row covers this method for preventing grasshopper damage in your garden is effective these materials create a barrier between the insects and your prize plants.

4. Grow a Green Border

This is a great distraction to keep grasshoppers from your prize garden plants, to accomplish this grow green plants or tall grasses around your garden, these plants will keep grasshoppers busy (feeding) while acting as a screen or wall for your garden plants.

5. Using Nosema Locustae Bait

Baits containing the protozoan Nosema locustae are a biological control option that can be used for treating sites where grasshoppers breed. This product is sold under the trade names NOLO Bait or Semaspore and can produce infection of many species of grasshoppers. Because it is selective in effects, only affecting grasshoppers.

However, there are some limitations to Nosema locustae baits. Only young grasshoppers are susceptible, these products are infective after adult migrations occur. Baits containing protozoan Nosema locustae are slow-acting and do not equally infect all grasshopper species. Often it is most effectively used in a long-term grasshopper management program, in combination with other control methods. Nosema locustae baits are perishable. It’s best to keep baits in the refrigerator before use because baits are perishable read the label for expiration dates.

6. Attract Beneficial Insects

Attracting beneficial insects to your garden can help manage grasshopper populations, for example, spiders, robber flies, toads, etc…. some plants to include in your landscape are alyssum, calendula, aster, dill, marigold, sunflower, lavender, cosmos, yarrow, etc… Only install native plants that grow in your zone.

7.  Use Garlic Spray

Mix thoroughly 2 cups of garlic with 10 cups of water, boil this mixture, and let it sit overnight to cool. Now mix one part of this solution with 3 parts water into a 32 oz spray bottle next moisten the leaves of plants that are vulnerable with the spray solution. This will keep grasshoppers and other feeding insects away or at bay.

8. Dust your plants with flour

If certain plants in your garden are targeted by grasshoppers consider dusting the leaves and stems of those plants with kaolin clay or all-purpose flour, which will stick to the grasshopper’s mouthparts causing them not to be able to eat.

Tips to Prevent Grasshoppers

These methods will help to reduce the presence of grasshoppers in your garden and landscape.

• Properly managing your garden by keeping plant bed areas and other areas nice and trimmed will reduce hiding places for juveniles (nymph) stage and adults exposing them to natural predators.
• The removal of weeds can also reduce the hiding places of grasshoppers exposing them to natural predators.
• Installing some grasshopper-resistant plants will help to deter grasshoppers for example lavender, basil, rosemary, sage, and passion vines are just a few to try.

10 FAQs About How To Control Grasshoppers

1. Why do grasshoppers invade my yard or garden?

Grasshoppers are drawn to lush, green vegetation—especially during dry weather when natural food sources are scarce. If your yard is full of tasty plants and moist soil, it’s basically a buffet for them! The more attractive your landscape, the more likely they are to stop by and snack.

2. Are grasshoppers harmful to my plants or just annoying?

They’re more than just a nuisance. Grasshoppers can do serious damage to your plants by chewing through leaves, stems, and even flowers. In large numbers, they can strip entire plants bare in a short time—especially vegetables, grasses, and ornamental plants.

3. What’s the best way to get rid of grasshoppers naturally?

One of the best natural tricks is introducing beneficial insects or birds that eat grasshoppers—like chickens, ducks, praying mantises, or even sparrows. You can also plant trap crops like clover or tall grass in a separate area to lure grasshoppers away from your garden.

4. Do garlic or chili sprays help keep grasshoppers away?

Yes, they can! Homemade sprays using garlic, chili, or neem oil may deter grasshoppers by making plants taste bad. Spray directly on the leaves every few days, especially after rain. Just test it first on a small section to make sure your plants won’t be harmed.

5. Are there any plants that naturally repel grasshoppers?

Absolutely! Grasshoppers aren’t fans of strong-smelling plants like lavender, cilantro, horehound, and calendula. Adding these to your garden can act as a natural deterrent, and they add color and fragrance too—bonus!

6. How do I prevent a full-blown grasshopper infestation?

Early action is key! Watch for nymphs (young grasshoppers) in the late spring or early summer, and act fast. Removing weeds, mowing grass short, and limiting moist hiding places around your yard can help reduce their numbers before they grow into big, hungry adults.

7. What kind of insecticides work on grasshoppers?

If the infestation gets out of hand, insecticides with carbaryl, permethrin, or pyrethrin can be effective. Just be sure to follow label directions carefully and consider spot-treating only the worst-hit areas to protect beneficial bugs. You can also try eco-friendly options labeled safe for vegetables and pets.

8. Do grasshoppers come back every year?

Yes, they do—but the severity changes year to year. In warm, dry seasons, grasshopper populations tend to spike. Eggs laid in late summer overwinter in the soil and hatch the following spring, so managing this year’s population helps reduce problems next year too.

9. Can I use row covers or netting to protect my plants from grasshoppers?

Definitely! Lightweight garden mesh or row covers can physically block grasshoppers from landing on your crops, especially during peak feeding hours. This is a great solution for small gardens or when you’re growing young, vulnerable plants.

10. Should I call a pest control service for grasshoppers?

If your yard or field is overrun and nothing seems to work, calling in the pros might be the best route. Professional pest control companies can assess the situation and apply treatments safely and effectively—especially if you’re dealing with large-scale damage.

Conclusion

Grasshopper management is possible by following this guide, these proven methods have given good results in safeguarding garden plants against grasshoppers. Grasshoppers are destructive because of their huge appetite and their great numbers but they can be stopped in their tracks. Why should these garden insect pests rob you of your prized crop or harvest when you can strike back-stopping grasshoppers in their tracks? Don’t let your dream garden become a nightmare with these unvited guests.