Grasshopper Problem - Ask Extension
Several years ago we planted a row of hollyhocks against our long white fence where before there was nothing but very rocky soil. These decorate the...
Knowledgebase
Grasshopper Problem #867096
Asked May 05, 2024, 12:26 PM EDT
Several years ago we planted a row of hollyhocks against our long white fence where before there was nothing but very rocky soil. These decorate the fence nicely, but every year grasshopper take over and eat the leaves. A couple of years ago we started using a product I think called "NoLo", that somehow cut down on grasshopper growth. This product is no longer available. How can we eliminate grasshoppers? Is there an insecticide that we can spray on them or the plants? We are loathe to spray anything on them after flowers appear because many bees come to the flowers.
Larimer County Colorado
Expert Response
Hi Ursula,
Fortunately, the pressure of grasshoppers is largely dependent on how they overwintered. We had a fairly dry, cold, exposed winter, which may have killed many grasshopper eggs laid last fall. We also haven't had a lot of moisture this spring, which can further reduce populations.
You are correct that Nolo bait is not available - the company had a fire a few years ago and production has been halted/reduced. Another product you can try is bran flakes laced with insecticide, like "Eco Brand". You would place the flakes around the yard (timing is critical!). The grasshoppers must ingest the flakes to be controlled - but they are very attracted to bran.
Before purchasing or applying, please read the label in its entirety. There are a lot of natural predators that eat young grasshoppers.
You can also consider putting up netting or fencing to protect your hollyhocks from the grasshoppers.
Fortunately, the pressure of grasshoppers is largely dependent on how they overwintered. We had a fairly dry, cold, exposed winter, which may have killed many grasshopper eggs laid last fall. We also haven't had a lot of moisture this spring, which can further reduce populations.
You are correct that Nolo bait is not available - the company had a fire a few years ago and production has been halted/reduced. Another product you can try is bran flakes laced with insecticide, like "Eco Brand". You would place the flakes around the yard (timing is critical!). The grasshoppers must ingest the flakes to be controlled - but they are very attracted to bran.
Before purchasing or applying, please read the label in its entirety. There are a lot of natural predators that eat young grasshoppers.
You can also consider putting up netting or fencing to protect your hollyhocks from the grasshoppers.
Alison,
Thank you very much. I will try “Eco Brand.” I assume that this is available at a nursery. I’m very anxious to try this because, no matter what the winter weather or anything, these pesky grasshoppers seem to live through it until they hatch and eat many holes in my hollyhock leaves.
Ursula K. Ehmann
On May 6, 2024, at 12:08 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
The hollyhock weevil may be causing some of your damage too - it's super common and affects the leaves, resulting in holes.
Oh no! Oh no! Not another problem!
Thanks for letting me know. Really, I appreciate it.
Ursula
Sent from my iPhone
Sent from my iPhone
On May 7, 2024, at 9:51 AM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
Here's a publication on hollyhock weevils: https://webdoc.agsci.colostate.edu/bspm/arthropodsofcolorado/Hollyhock-weevil.pdf
Thank you.
Ursula
Sent from my iPhone
Sent from my iPhone
On May 7, 2024, at 10:44 AM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
Alison,
Can you advise me a little more? I want to try the Eco Brand way for grasshopper control, but can’t figure out which product to use. They have a sack of Eco Smart insect killer granules, but the information online does not say what the granules are made of. Could these be bran granules? They also have Eco Treat ready to use outdoor pest control spray, which they say kills fleas, ticks, Japanese beetles, gnats, crickets, chiggers, roaches, and more. Neither of these products say “grasshoppers” in the description online, but maybe they are included. The product in the store at Ft. Collins Nursery may say more, but the detailed instructions are taped to the jar so they can’t be read without cutting them off. The EcoTreat outdoor is a spray, so if that is the right product to use, then would I buy the bran separately and mix it with the liquid spray product for use? I’m not quite sure what to do.
Ursula
On May 6, 2024, at 12:08 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
Products containing carbaryl will control grasshoppers. Look at the label and see what's in the product. If you have questions, you're welcome to contact the company directly. Or ask the staff to assist you.
Sprays need to come in direct contact with the grasshoppers, so this may not be the best approach.
Sprays need to come in direct contact with the grasshoppers, so this may not be the best approach.
