5 Ways to Get Rid of Grasshoppers

Introduction
Grasshoppers can be a significant threat to your garden, especially in years with unusual weather patterns like heavy spring rains following a drought. These conditions create the perfect environment for grasshoppers to thrive, and before you know it, your seedlings and plants can be decimated. If you’ve found your garden overrun by these voracious pests, don’t worry—there are proven methods to control grasshoppers and protect your flowers and vegetables.

1. Dust Plants with Flour
One of the most effective and simple methods is dusting your plants with all-purpose flour. This technique works by gumming up the grasshoppers’ jaws, preventing them from eating your plants. The flour creates a physical barrier that disrupts their feeding habits. To apply the flour, use a homemade sifter—simply drill small holes into the lid of a mason jar and sprinkle the flour over the affected plants. Be sure to use only all-purpose flour, as self-rising or other types contain salts that can harm your plants.

2. Use Grasshopper Bait
For a more targeted approach, consider using grasshopper bait that contains Nosema locustae, a natural protozoan that infects grasshoppers. This biological agent reduces their appetite and disrupts their reproductive cycle, which helps control both current and future generations of grasshoppers. This method is particularly effective because it spreads to the grasshoppers’ larvae and predators, further reducing the population over time.

3. Apply Garlic Spray
Grasshoppers are repelled by the smell and taste of garlic. You can make your own garlic spray by crushing two bulbs of garlic and mixing them with water or mineral oil. Alternatively, you can purchase pre-made garlic spray solutions specifically designed to deter grasshoppers. Additionally, planting garlic throughout your garden can serve as a natural protective barrier, keeping grasshoppers at bay.

4. Grow Natural Repellents
In addition to garlic, other plants like cilantro, peas, and sweet clover can also repel grasshoppers. By interspersing these plants throughout your garden, you create an environment that grasshoppers will find less appealing, encouraging them to move on to other areas.

5. Introduce Chickens to Your Garden
If you have the space, consider adding chickens to your garden. Chickens are natural predators of grasshoppers and will spend all day foraging and helping to control the grasshopper population, as well as other garden pests. This method is not only effective but also provides the added benefit of fresh eggs.

Understanding Grasshopper Behavior
Grasshoppers are opportunistic feeders and will consume grass, leaves, and various crops. They prefer open spaces with abundant food sources and few predators. By making your garden less hospitable—removing grass and weeds, planting repellents, and introducing predators—you can significantly reduce the grasshopper population.

Additional Resources for Grasshopper Control:

• UC System Guide to Grasshopper Control

Conclusion
By combining these techniques, you can effectively protect your garden from grasshoppers and prevent them from destroying your hard work. Have any other tips or tricks for controlling grasshoppers? Share them in the comments below!