grasshoppers - Ask Extension
Just moved into my home in south Fort Collins. The yard and flower beds are jumping with grasshoppers. What is a natural way to control/eliminate th...
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grasshoppers #876356
Asked July 08, 2024, 2:45 PM EDT
Just moved into my home in south Fort Collins. The yard and flower beds are jumping with grasshoppers. What is a natural way to control/eliminate these pests? Have much evidence of their munching on my plants.
Larimer County Colorado
Expert Response
Hi Barbara,
At this point in the season, there is little you can do to control the grasshoppers. Having acceptance of injury is important. Because grasshoppers are so mobile, contact insecticides work best at this stage, but because so many plants are in flowers, you risk harming pollinators and other beneficial insects.
You can use netting to protect your most desirable plants. Baits will largely be ineffective, because there's so many more desirable things to eat.
Fortunately, we've had bad grasshopper years in the past and plants will recover. The feeding damage looks worse than it is - and maybe hope for an early frost?
At this point in the season, there is little you can do to control the grasshoppers. Having acceptance of injury is important. Because grasshoppers are so mobile, contact insecticides work best at this stage, but because so many plants are in flowers, you risk harming pollinators and other beneficial insects.
You can use netting to protect your most desirable plants. Baits will largely be ineffective, because there's so many more desirable things to eat.
Fortunately, we've had bad grasshopper years in the past and plants will recover. The feeding damage looks worse than it is - and maybe hope for an early frost?
