Hi Jackie,

Grasshoppers can indeed by a huge headache, and difficult to control.

One option that is relatively low-risk for collateral damage is to use insecticide baits (for example, Ecobran).  These baits would be applied early in the season (now) in order to attract and kill the young grasshoppers in your area and prevent them becoming adults.  Fungal baits containing Nosema locustae (Nolo baits) can help control young grasshoppers as well, but this product is not currently commercially available due to a production issue.

Even so, though, because grasshoppers are so mobile, if it is a good year for grasshoppers  more could just fly or hop in to your yard. For these, hand-picking (in the morning, when they are sluggish) or contact-insecticide sprays can help mitigate damage. Exclusion, when possible, is the only sure bet.

Once grasshoppers have invaded insecticides would need to be reapplied every few days as long as the invasion continues; read the product label to determine the allowable frequency of applications. Carbaryl and other insecticides such as cyfluthrin or other pyrethroids commonly used as sprays for grasshopper control are very toxic to bees and insect predators of grasshoppers. Carbaryl in bait form (Ecobran) is less hazardous to bees.

This CSU Fact Sheet contains a bit more information about grasshoppers in Colorado and their potential control in gardens: https://extension.colostate.edu/topic-areas/insects/grasshopper-control-in-gardens-small-acreages-5-536/

I hope this is helpful!

Cordially,

John