Grasshoppers in the yard

Yard Insects can be particularly tricky. I’ve seen annoying pests like fire ants and grasshoppers in my yard. However I have also seen beautiful bees and other pollinators that have been helping my  plants bloom. With the additional time on our hands, many of us decided to take up gardening for a way to stay home but still enjoy the outside. Harmful pests that threaten my first-time attempt at a vegetable garden are annoying. Particularly differential grasshoppers. The differential grasshoppers I have recently been finding in my yard seem to range from between 1” to almost 2” in length.

There is a delicate balance to allowing beneficial pests needed in my yard without the harmful pests that like to make a small snack of my plants, dogs and me. I found to minimize the impact of differential grasshoppers and other harmful pests from my yard, I need to utilize barriers, insecticides and landscape plants that are less prone to damage. I am even including some plants that have been known to ward off some insects.

 Differential grasshoppers are nuisance pests as they feed on fruit, flowers, seeds, foliage, bushes, vines and tree bark.

 I am working hard on growing in my yard this season. Having the inside of my home treated for pests in cracks and crevices has not been an issue. My dilemma was having a yard pest treatment outside without sacrificing beneficial insects.

Here are some solutions I have found for the control of differential grasshoppers in my yard:

• Foundation or border insecticidal sprays omitting flowering ornamental or vegetable gardens for quick knock-down and residual control
• Growing herbs such as basil, cilantro, rosemary or lavender around borders. Strong smells will help repel grasshoppers and other insects. Planting deterrent plants around the edge of your garden can help keep them away
• Grasshoppers also hate the smell and taste of garlic. Make garlic water and spray on plants to repel the grasshoppers from your garden. 
• Essential oil sprays with either peppermint or orange as a couple examples. Essential oils can be diluted and used in spray bottles. Or consider full strength on cotton balls around the garden. Just make sure it is out of the way from pets.
• Light weight insect fabric covers permit needed sunlight and air circulation while being strong enough to provide a barrier to many insects.
• Marigolds add a pop of color as well as a distinctive smell that repels some nuisance pests.

The options above are meant to be temporary fixes and may only repel some insects. The differential grasshoppers I am seeing will require me to keep a more watchful eye for insects in my yard. I will determine the best way to keep harmful pests out of my garden while encouraging beneficial insects. How you treat yard for insect control is a personal choice that may need to include your pest professional. If you have questions or concerns involving pest control inside or outside of your home, contact  Bio-Tech Pest Control today at 281-296-6022.