Grasshoppers can be a nightmare for gardeners. I learned this the hard way when I walked outside one morning and found my once-lush vegetable garden filled with half-eaten leaves and jagged holes.
It wasn’t just one or two plants—these little jumpers had feasted on almost everything. If you’ve ever dealt with a grasshopper invasion, you know how frustrating it can be.
Image by reddirtramblings
The good news is that you don’t have to rely on chemical pesticides to stop grasshoppers from eating your plants.
There are plenty of natural and effective ways to protect your garden without harming beneficial insects or the environment. I’ve tested quite a few strategies over the years, and I’m here to share what really works.
Why Grasshoppers Eat Your Plants
Grasshoppers are voracious feeders. They have strong chewing mouthparts that allow them to devour leaves, stems, and flowers quickly. When their population gets out of control, they can strip an entire garden bare in just a few days.
Hot, dry weather often leads to an increase in grasshopper numbers. When there isn’t enough grass or wild vegetation available, they turn to gardens for food. Since they eat a wide variety of plants, from vegetables to ornamental flowers, they can become a major problem.
Signs That Grasshoppers Are Attacking Your Garden
If you suspect grasshoppers are responsible for the damage in your garden, here are some things to look for:
Jagged holes in leaves – Unlike other pests, grasshoppers don’t create smooth-edged holes. Their chewing leaves an irregular, rough look.
Missing or damaged seedlings – Young plants are especially vulnerable. Grasshoppers may eat them down to the stems.
Seeing grasshoppers during the day – Unlike some pests that hide, grasshoppers are active during daylight hours.
Rapidly spreading damage – If one plant looks chewed up today and another one looks the same tomorrow, you likely have a growing infestation.
Once you confirm grasshoppers are the problem, it’s time to take action using natural methods.
How to Stop Grasshoppers From Eating Your Plants Naturally
I’ve tried many different approaches over the years, and I’ve found that the best way to deal with grasshoppers is through a combination of prevention and control. Here are the most effective natural solutions.
Encourage Natural Predators
One of the best long-term ways to control grasshoppers is to let nature do the work. Many birds, insects, and animals eat grasshoppers, keeping their population in check.
Birds – Chickens, ducks, and wild birds love grasshoppers. Attract birds by adding birdbaths, feeders, and native plants.
Frogs and toads – These garden helpers eat a variety of pests, including grasshoppers. A small pond or moist area can encourage them to stay.
Praying mantises and spiders – These beneficial insects will hunt and eat grasshoppers in your garden.
If you already have some of these predators nearby, encourage them to stick around by creating a welcoming habitat.
Use Physical Barriers
One of the simplest ways to protect your plants is to prevent grasshoppers from reaching them in the first place.
Row covers – Floating row covers create a physical barrier that keeps grasshoppers away from your plants while still allowing sunlight and rain to pass through.
Fine mesh netting – This can be placed over vegetable beds to keep grasshoppers from landing on your crops.
Cardboard or aluminum foil collars – Placing these around seedlings can help prevent young plants from being chewed down.
While barriers won’t eliminate grasshoppers entirely, they can protect the most vulnerable plants from major damage.
Remove Breeding and Hiding Spots
Grasshoppers lay their eggs in the soil, especially in areas with tall grass and weeds. If your garden is surrounded by overgrown vegetation, you might be providing a perfect breeding ground for them.
To make your garden less inviting:
- Keep weeds under control.
- Trim tall grass and remove debris near your garden beds.
- Till the soil in late fall to disturb any grasshopper eggs before they hatch.
By eliminating their preferred breeding areas, you can reduce the number of grasshoppers in the future.
Plant Grasshopper-Repellent Crops
Some plants naturally deter grasshoppers with their scent or taste. Planting these around your garden can help keep these pests away.
| Plant | Effect on Grasshoppers |
|---|---|
| Garlic | The strong smell repels them. |
| Cilantro | Makes plants less attractive. |
| Marigolds | Works as a natural deterrent. |
| Rosemary | Has a strong scent that keeps grasshoppers away. |
| Nasturtiums | Acts as a trap crop, luring grasshoppers away from other plants. |
I’ve had great success using marigolds and garlic around my vegetable beds. Not only do they help with grasshoppers, but they also deter other pests.
Make a Natural Grasshopper Spray
If grasshoppers are already in your garden, a homemade spray can help make your plants less appealing to them.
Garlic Spray Recipe:
- Blend 2 cloves of garlic with 2 cups of water.
- Strain the liquid and pour it into a spray bottle.
- Add a few drops of dish soap to help it stick to leaves.
- Spray it on plants early in the morning or late in the afternoon.
Grasshoppers dislike the smell of garlic, so this spray can help keep them away.
Use Organic Baits and Traps
Another effective way to control grasshoppers is by using baits or traps.
Molasses traps – Mix molasses with water in a shallow dish. Grasshoppers are attracted to the sweetness, fall in, and get stuck.
Bran bait with Nosema locustae – This is a natural biological control that specifically targets grasshoppers. It infects them with a disease, reducing their population over time.
Using traps and baits can help reduce the number of grasshoppers in your garden without harming beneficial insects.
Dust Plants with Diatomaceous Earth
Diatomaceous earth (DE) is a natural powder made from crushed fossils. It works by dehydrating grasshoppers when they come into contact with it.
To use DE:
- Lightly dust it on plant leaves and around the base of plants.
- Reapply after rain or heavy watering.
Since DE is non-toxic to humans and pets, it’s a safe option for organic gardening.
Conclusion
Grasshoppers can be a tough pest to deal with, but you don’t have to resort to chemical sprays to keep them out of your garden.
By using natural predators, physical barriers, repellent plants, and homemade sprays, you can stop grasshoppers from eating your plants while keeping your garden safe for beneficial insects and pollinators.
I’ve personally found that a combination of these methods works best. If you stay proactive and make your garden less inviting to grasshoppers, you can prevent major damage before it starts.
Don’t wait until your plants are full of holes—start using these strategies today and enjoy a thriving, pest-free garden!
FAQs
What smell do grasshoppers hate?
Grasshoppers dislike strong-smelling plants like garlic, rosemary, and cilantro.
Will vinegar keep grasshoppers away?
Vinegar can help deter grasshoppers, but it may also harm plants, so use it cautiously.
Do grasshoppers have any natural predators?
Yes, birds, frogs, toads, and praying mantises all eat grasshoppers.
Can I use coffee grounds to keep grasshoppers away?
Coffee grounds may help deter grasshoppers, but they work better for repelling ants and slugs.
Are grasshoppers more active during a specific season?
Grasshoppers are most active in hot, dry weather, especially in late summer and early fall.
If you’re struggling with grasshoppers in your garden, I hope these natural solutions help you regain control.
I’m Marissa Lynn, the proud author behind GardeningProperty.com! With a deep-rooted passion for all things green and growing, I’ve dedicated years to mastering the art and science of gardening.
From nurturing vibrant flowerbeds to cultivating thriving vegetable gardens, I love sharing practical tips, creative ideas, and proven techniques to help others create their dream outdoor spaces.