There are a few insect types you may see around the yard that seem friendly enough, but that can become a problem for your yard, crops and other landscape elements if they aren’t properly controlled. The grasshopper is a great example – while grasshoppers aren’t considered threatening to humans and are even thought of in friendly ways by many people, grasshopper infestations can cause significant issues to crops and plants.
At Logan Extermination, however, we’re here to help with a huge range of insecticide sprays and other forms of lawn care and tree care for clients around Logan, whether you’re dealing with grasshoppers or any other insect in your yard this season. Here are some basics on the risks grasshoppers can pose to your yard and crops, plus some basic tips on how to control them – including some DIY tips you may be able to attend to on your own, but also some professional areas that our team is happy to assist with whenever needed.
Risks Grasshoppers Pose
As we noted above, some people are unaware of the potential dangers grasshoppers can pose to yards and other outdoor areas. Here are some specific risks these insects bring:
- Crops: Grasshoppers eat plants, and they do so quickly – in fact, a single grasshopper can consume its own body weight in plant material every day. If you have any crops or landscape plants that are particularly vulnerable to grasshopper activity, it’s essential to keep a close eye on the situation and take action quickly if you see signs of an infestation.
- Landscape: Grasshoppers can also do extensive damage to trees, shrubs and other landscape elements. They often lay their eggs in these areas, causing even more potential issues for future plant growth.
- Spread of disease: While not as common as the other two issues we’ve highlighted, grasshoppers can also spread diseases to plants through their saliva and feces. This is particularly concerning for farmers or others who rely on crops for a living.
- Control challenges: Grasshoppers are known for being difficult to control due to their quick movement and ability to fly away when threatened. This makes prevention and early action even more important for preventing infestations.
Now, seeing just one or two grasshoppers does not necessarily mean you have an infestation on your hands – but it does mean you should start observing closely to see if there are more, and take action if needed.
Signs of Grasshopper Infestation
How can you tell if you have a grasshopper infestation in your yard or on your crops? Here are some common signs to look out for:
- Visible insects: Of course, if you see a large number of grasshoppers hopping around your plants, this is a clear sign that you have an infestation.
- Chewed leaves and stems: Grasshoppers feed on plant material, leaving behind noticeable damage in the form of chewed leaves and stems.
- Egg cases: As mentioned above, grasshoppers lay their eggs in soil or plant debris near plants they like to feed on. Keep an eye out for these small egg cases as a sign of potential infestations to come.
Controlling Grasshoppers
The best way to protect your yard and crops from grasshopper damage is through preventive measures. Here are a few tips:
- Get there early: Because grasshoppers are known for being difficult to control, it’s important to identify and address potential issues early on. Keep an eye out for any signs of grasshopper activity, such as large numbers in a particular area or damage to plants.
- Cultivate soil: Whether in late fall or early spring (or both), it’s important to cultivate the soil in your yard and garden. This disrupts grasshopper eggs that may be hiding in the soil, reducing their numbers before they have a chance to hatch.
- Plant strategically: Certain plants, such as marigolds and sweet clover, are known to repel grasshoppers. Consider planting these around areas of your yard or garden that are particularly susceptible to infestations.
- Use natural repellants: Repellants like cedar oil, cinnamon and clove oils are known to deter grasshoppers. You can mix these with water and spray them around your yard to help keep grasshoppers away.
Professional Assistance
There are also many settings where professionals can assist you with grasshopper issues, both in terms of prevention and addressing existing problems. Especially if your yard has experienced issues with grasshoppers in the past, proactively calling on our team for an inspection and potential treatment may be a wise move.
We may recommend an initial spraying of insecticide, either chemical or organic, to control the current population and prevent any further damage. Options here include things like Permethrin, Zeta-cypermethrin, Bifluthrin and Bifenthrin – our team will walk you through what each of these are, how they work and which might be best for your needs. We can also work with you on long-term solutions to keep grasshoppers under control in your yard.
No matter what stage you’re at with grasshopper concerns, Logan Extermination is here to help. Contact us today for more information on our available services or to schedule any of our tree care, lawn maintenance or other services around Logan.
