How to Get Rid of Grasshoppers in the Garden?

Grasshoppers can be fascinating insects to watch, but when they invade your garden, they quickly become a serious problem. I remember the first time I noticed grasshoppers munching on my vegetable plants.

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I didn’t think much of it, but within a few days, my leafy greens were full of holes, and my bean plants looked like they had been chewed down to the stems. That’s when I realized I needed to take action before they completely took over.

If you’ve ever struggled with grasshoppers in your garden, you know how frustrating they can be. These hungry pests can devour plants at an alarming rate, leaving little behind.

There are several natural and effective ways to get rid of them without resorting to harsh chemicals. In this guide, I’ll share everything I’ve learned about controlling grasshoppers in the garden so you can protect your plants and keep these pests at bay.

Grasshoppers and Their Impact

Before tackling the problem, it’s helpful to understand why grasshoppers are such a challenge for gardeners. Grasshoppers are strong jumpers and can fly, making them difficult to catch. They have powerful mandibles that allow them to chew through leaves, stems, and even flowers.

Unlike some garden pests that prefer specific plants, grasshoppers eat a wide variety of vegetation, including vegetables, herbs, flowers, and even some fruits.

A few grasshoppers here and there won’t cause much harm, but when their population explodes, they can destroy an entire garden in a matter of days.

Their numbers tend to rise during hot, dry weather, making them particularly troublesome in late summer and early fall.

Signs of a Grasshopper Infestation

If you’re not sure whether grasshoppers are the culprits behind the damage in your garden, here are some signs to look for:

• Irregular holes in leaves – Unlike caterpillars, which leave smooth edges, grasshoppers chew jagged holes in plants.
• Missing or chewed stems – Young plants may be completely devoured.
• Seeing grasshoppers during the day – These pests are active during the day and easy to spot hopping around.
• Damage spreading quickly – A large group of grasshoppers can strip plants in just a few days.

Once you confirm that grasshoppers are the problem, it’s time to take action.

How to Get Rid of Grasshoppers Naturally

I’ve tried many different methods to control grasshoppers, and I’ve found that a combination of approaches works best. Here are the most effective natural ways to get rid of them.

Encourage Natural Predators

One of the easiest and most effective ways to control grasshoppers is to let nature take care of them. Many birds, insects, and animals feed on grasshoppers, helping to keep their population in check.

• Birds – Chickens, ducks, and wild birds like sparrows and blue jays love to eat grasshoppers. Consider adding a birdbath or birdhouse to attract them.
• Frogs and toads – If you have a small pond or a moist area, these creatures will help control the grasshopper population.
• Praying mantises and spiders – These insects naturally hunt grasshoppers and can be beneficial to your garden.

If you already have some of these predators around, you’re in luck. If not, consider ways to make your garden more inviting to them.

Use Row Covers and Netting

One of the best ways to keep grasshoppers off your plants is by using row covers or netting. This works especially well for small plants and seedlings, which are more vulnerable to damage.

• Floating row covers – These lightweight fabric covers let sunlight and water in while keeping pests out.
• Fine mesh netting – This can be placed over plants to prevent grasshoppers from landing on them.

This method won’t get rid of grasshoppers already in the garden, but it will protect your plants from further damage.

Remove Weeds and Tall Grass

Grasshoppers lay their eggs in soil, especially in areas with tall grass and weeds. If you have overgrown areas near your garden, you might be providing the perfect breeding ground for them.

To reduce grasshopper populations:

• Keep your garden beds weed-free.
• Mow or trim tall grass around the garden.
• Remove debris or leaf piles where grasshoppers can hide.

Making your garden less inviting to them will encourage them to move elsewhere.

Plant Grasshopper-Repelling Crops

Some plants naturally deter grasshoppers, so planting them around your vegetable garden can help keep these pests away. Here are some effective options:

Plant	Effect on Grasshoppers
Garlic	The strong smell repels grasshoppers.
Cilantro	The scent makes plants less appealing.
Marigolds	These flowers help deter many pests.
Rosemary	Works as a natural repellent.
Nasturtiums	Acts as a trap crop, attracting grasshoppers away from other plants.

I’ve had great success planting marigolds around my vegetable beds. Not only do they help with grasshoppers, but they also attract pollinators like bees and butterflies.

Make a Natural Grasshopper Spray

If you already have grasshoppers in your garden, a homemade spray can help deter them. One of my go-to solutions is garlic spray.

How to make garlic spray:

1. Blend 2 cloves of garlic with 2 cups of water.
2. Strain out the garlic pieces and pour the liquid into a spray bottle.
3. Add a few drops of dish soap to help it stick to leaves.
4. Spray it on plants in the early morning or late afternoon.

This won’t kill grasshoppers, but it will make your plants less appealing to them.

Use Organic Insecticides

If natural methods aren’t enough, you can try organic insecticides. Neem oil and spinosad are both effective and safe for use in vegetable gardens.

• Neem oil – Disrupts grasshopper growth and makes plants taste unpleasant.
• Spinosad – A natural insecticide that affects the nervous system of grasshoppers, killing them without harming bees or birds.

I only use these sprays when absolutely necessary, as they can affect beneficial insects as well.

Set Up Traps

You can also try trapping grasshoppers. Here are some simple ways to do it:

• Molasses traps – Mix molasses with water in a shallow dish. Grasshoppers are attracted to the sweet scent, fall in, and get stuck.
• Bran bait – Mix bran with an organic insecticide like nosema locustae, which specifically targets grasshoppers.

These traps won’t eliminate all grasshoppers, but they can help reduce their numbers.

Conclusion

Grasshoppers can be a real headache for gardeners, but with the right approach, you can keep them under control.

By encouraging natural predators, using protective barriers, removing their breeding grounds, and planting repellent crops, you can significantly reduce the number of grasshoppers in your garden.

I’ve personally found that a combination of these methods works best. If you stay consistent and take action early, you can prevent grasshoppers from causing too much damage. Don’t wait until your plants are half-eaten—start implementing these strategies today!

FAQs

What is the fastest way to get rid of grasshoppers?

Using row covers and organic sprays like neem oil can provide quick relief.

Do grasshoppers go away on their own?

They may migrate as the seasons change, but if conditions are right, they’ll stick around and lay eggs.

Are grasshoppers bad for all plants?

Yes, they eat a wide range of plants, including vegetables, herbs, and flowers.

Do chickens eat grasshoppers?

Yes, chickens and ducks love to eat grasshoppers and can help keep their population down.

Can grasshoppers be beneficial to the garden?

In small numbers, they play a role in the ecosystem, but large infestations cause more harm than good.