Kathy Berryhill
Creek Co. Master Gardener
Oklahoma contains many forests and grasslands, providing homes to over 130 species of grasshoppers. This insect plays a crucial role in our ecosystem as it is a protein-packed food source for predators like birds and lizards. Small numbers of grasshoppers are a sign of a thriving ecosystem. An age-old cultural association of abundance and courage is even linked with the grasshopper. However, an overabundance of grasshoppers in our yards and gardens is usually associated with accelerated plant damage!
Only a few of the grasshopper species are pests. The differential grasshopper and the two-striped grasshopper are the two that do the most damage to our ornamental and vegetable plants.
The two striped grasshopper is identified by the two yellow stripes that form a V shape on its back while the differential species is mostly brown.
All grasshopper species share a similar 3 stage life cycle, and most only produce one generation of offspring. During the fall, pods containing 8-30 eggs are laid in the soil. Grasshoppers lay in areas such as ditches, fencerows, weedy areas and fields with harvested crops. Rural areas are surrounded by pastures, weeds and vegetation so grasshoppers may be more prevalent here than in urban areas.
Grasshoppers hatch in the spring and go through 5 instars (shedding of their outer layer) before becoming adults. Young grasshoppers stay close and feed on grasses and broadleaf plants, relishing fresh grasses, tender vegetables and flowers. Once mature, they fly for miles in search of food. Gardens have an ample supply of food choices, so they will stay and sample the tasty buffet.
Once plant damage from grasshoppers is noted, insecticide is commonly applied. While existing pests may be destroyed, new grasshoppers will replace them. Insecticides have a short life cycle, so constant application is needed for control. This is not a good fit for creating a well-balanced natural environment as the insecticides are also lethal to bees & wasps, which are natural enemies!
Try more natural methods. Hand-pick and destroy grasshoppers. Use cover rows made of screen to protect selected areas. Plant a border of tall grasses around a garden to entice the grasshopper to eat the grass, and stay away from the garden. Attract natural predators by maintaining birdhouses on your property. Spray with Neem Oil to slow down the activity of the grasshopper. Other methods to try include spreading diatomaceous earth around your garden. The sharp edges of the DE will scrape the exoskeleton and lead to the grasshoppers’ demise.
If all else fails, add some chickens, guineas or turkeys to your yard! They love grasshoppers.
