Keep these voracious insects out of your gardenand away from your plantswith these expert tips.
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Grasshoppers are small green insects that can quickly eat throughyour gardenand yard.
Infestations of grasshoppers move fast and can completely destroya small gardenwithinhours.
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So in other words, there’s hope!
Thereareways you’re free to prevent and eliminate grasshoppers in your yard.
Here, experts share natural and non-toxic ways to get rid of grasshoppers.
This reduces grasshoppers hiding spots and places to lay eggs.
Neem Oil
Another way to deter grasshoppers is with natural pesticides such asneem oil.
Neem oil repels grasshoppers and disrupts their reproduction and growth.
The oil is available as an insecticide spray at most gardening stores.
Garlic Spray
Another popular natural repellent for grasshoppers is garlic spray.
Grasshoppers dislike the scent of garlic, and its easy to create a DIY garlic spray.
Soak garlic cloves in water for 24 hours and spray the solution on your plants to repel grasshoppers.
Tilling disrupts their breeding grounds, physically damages eggs, and exposes grasshoppers to predators and the elements.
If you opt for tilling, its best to do it in the springtime, before eggs hatch.
Tilling in the fall can remove groundcovers that help plants survive the winter.
Natural Baits
Baits are another option for getting rid of grasshoppers.
Many grasshopper baits contain the natural ingredientNosema locustae.
This ingredient kills grasshoppers and works best when used early in the season when they are still young.
Protozoan is a naturally occurring substance that infects and kills grasshoppers and is non-toxic to humans and pets.
Whatever natural solutions you choose, combine a few methods for the best grasshopper control.
Adding it to your yard or garden dehydrates and kills grasshoppers.
It can be found at most major home improvement stores.
Vinegar
Another non-toxic deterrent for grasshoppers is vinegar.
Bothwood vinegar and distilled vinegargive off pungent scents that can repel grasshoppers.
Combine vinegar and water and spray it on your plants to prevent grasshoppers.
Flour Gum
Flour gum is sometimes used to disperse grasshoppers, but it has limited abilities.
This pest control strategy favors environmentally friendly methods and minimizes reliance on chemical controls.
IPM relies on monitoring grasshopper populations and identifying hotspots to treat them before infestation occurs.
Physical Barriers
One IPM strategy is to use physical barriers to protect plants from grasshoppers.
Ensure the area around the bottom is tight so grasshoppers cant sneak under the barrier to access plants.
I have honestly had great luck using backyard chickens as a way to control grasshopper populations, Bennett says.
Chickens love grasshoppers, and even a small flock will eat tons during the season.
If you dont want chickens in your yard, other birds feed on grasshoppers, too, Bennett says.
Regularly maintaining your yard and garden and removing potential grasshopper habitats will help keep your plants safe.
Weed Regularly
Dont forgetto weedthose out-of-the-way spots and along borders, Gilbert says.
Tall weeds will attract grasshoppers and supply them with food."
“Light attracts many types of insects to your property, including grasshoppers.
Trap crops offer an additional grasshopper solution.
