Many species. Adults and nymphs: Brown, gray, black, or yellow. Strong hindlegs. Up to 2 inches long. Most grasshoppers are strong flyers.
Lettuce, potato, beans and corn.
Feed on any available vegetation. When abundant, they may destroy complete plantings of such crops as lettuce and potato.
Throughout United States. They are especially troublesome in central and northwestern states.
Female grasshoppers lay eggs in sodded areas towards the end of summer. Nymphs emerge from these overwintering eggs near the beginning of summer and begin feeding on young plants. As the grasshopper nymphs mature, they migrate to other areas and feed on a large variety of plants. Nymphs mature into adults in about 1 1/2 to 2 months. Adults continue feeding until killed by cold temperatures.
Avoid planting gardens next to hay fields and ditch banks with high grasshopper populations. Seedlings may be protected by covering them with netting or cheescloth. Removal of debris and turning of the soil with help expose the eggs to predators and the weather.
Birds such as crows, cat birds, bluebirds, mockingbirds, and sparrows are natural predators of grasshoppers. Spiders may also eat them.
Treat using a registered insecticide, following all label instructions, precautions, and preharvest intervals specific to the crop.
For Asparagus: Treat spears with a registered insecticide during harvest time, following preharvest intervals.
For Beans (snaps & limas): Treat with a registered insecticide.
For Eggplant: Treat with a registered insecticide when damage appears. Repeat as needed.
For Greens or Leaf Crops (turnips, kale, spinach, collards): Treat when insects appear in damaging numbers. Repeat as needed.
For Pea: Treat when present in damaging numbers.
For Pepper (bell or hot): Use at 4-5 day intervals as long as needed.
For Potato (Irish): Treat when insects and/or damage appears.
For Sweet Corn: Treat when insects and damage appear on young plants. Caution: Application of carbaryl to the tassel region of corn during the pollen shedding period will seriously reduce the bee population.
For Tomatoes: Treat when damage appears or when insects appear in damaging numbers.
Notice: Because pesticide labels can change rapidly, you should read the label directions carefully before buying and using any pesticides. Regardless of the information provided here, you should always follow the latest product label when using any pesticide. If you have any doubt, please contact your local Extension agent or pesticide dealer for the latest information on pesticide label changes.
Disclaimer: Commercial products named on this site are for informational purposes only. Virginia Cooperative Extension does not endorse these products and does not intend discrimination against other products which also may be suitable.
Prepared by Alexandra Spring and Eric Day (Modified from a publication by the USDA)