Grasshoppers
Orthoptera (Acrididae)
Chewing Insects High Risk 20-70 mm (varies by species)
📖 Description
Grasshoppers are among the most ancient and destructive agricultural pests, with outbreaks documented throughout human history. During outbreak years, populations can reach devastating levels, consuming virtually all vegetation in their path. A single grasshopper can eat half its body weight in plant material daily, and dense populations can strip fields bare. While most years see moderate populations that cause limited damage, periodic outbreaks — sometimes involving migratory swarms — can cause catastrophic agricultural losses. They are most problematic in dry, warm regions and during drought years.
⚠️ Symptoms to watch for
- Large irregular holes chewed in leaves,Defoliation starting from leaf edges,Stems chewed or completely severed on young plants,Feeding damage concentrated on outer plants in field edges,Fruit with chewed holes and surface damage,Complete crop destruction in severe outbreak years
🩹 Treatment
- Apply Nosema locustae (protozoan bait) for biological control (organic),Use spinosad-based bait formulations (organic),Apply neem oil as a feeding deterrent (organic),Introduce poultry (chickens, guinea fowl) for natural control (organic),Apply carbaryl bait or spray (chemical),Use diflubenzuron for nymph control (chemical)
🌿 Organic treatments
- Apply Nosema locustae (protozoan bait) for biological control,Use spinosad-based bait formulations,Apply neem oil as a feeding deterrent,Introduce poultry (chickens, guinea fowl) for natural control
🧪 Chemical treatments
- Apply carbaryl bait or spray,Use diflubenzuron for nymph control
🛡️ Prevention
- Till soil in fall to destroy egg pods laid in the ground,Mow tall grass and weeds along field edges to reduce habitat,Use floating row covers on high-value crops,Encourage natural predators like birds and predatory beetles,Plant dense border strips of grasses around gardens,Monitor nymph populations in early summer for timely intervention
🪴 Affected plants
- Vegetables,Grains,Corn,Soybeans,Alfalfa,Grasses,Ornamental Plants
🦋 Natural predators
- Birds,Spiders,Predatory Flies,Snakes
🌱 Host plants
- Zea mays,Triticum aestivum,Various grasses
🔄 Lifecycle
- Females lay egg pods containing 20-120 eggs in soil during late summer and fall.
- Eggs overwinter and hatch in spring as tiny nymphs.
- Nymphs grow through 5-6 instars over 5-7 weeks, developing wing pads.
- Adults appear in mid-summer and live 2-3 months.
- One generation per year in most temperate regions.
- Outbreaks typically follow several years of dry, warm weather.
📅 Season
- Spring to Fall (nymphs in spring, adults in summer)
🔎 Appearance
- Large, elongated insects with powerful hind legs for jumping.
- Usually green, brown, or gray for camouflage.
- Some species have brightly colored hind wings.
- Long antennae in katydids, short in true grasshoppers.
💥 Damage level
- High
🔁 Reproduction rate
- Moderate
🗺️ Geographic regions
- North America
- Africa
- Asia
- Australia
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