Help! Grasshoppers in Biblical proportions!
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The previous two years we were inundated with grasshoppers. We blamed it on the drought. Plenty of rain this year but still they come. Every plant, every shrub and every flower is covered. They are consuming everything. Hate to keep spraying chemicals. Are there any natural repellents that may slow them down a bit?
6 answers
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It's very difficult to control mature grasshoppers. There are microbial baits available under the names NoLo Bait and Semaspore, but, again, these are most effective when grasshoppers are young and before the heat of summer. For more guidance, see this from Oklahoma State: http://pods.dasnr.okstate.edu/docushare/dsweb/Get/Document-2290/
Douglas Hunt
on Jun 13, 2013
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I've use the Semasphore with good results. But Douglas is right, since these are mature pests. Your local extension office may also be able to help with some control suggestions as well. Just look for the office under government in the phone book.
Catherine Smith
on Jun 13, 2013
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Thanks for the prompt answers. Yes, we have used Nolo bait in the previous years. And the local extension office, let's just say, not so much help. I will check with OSU.
Janet Richardson
on Jun 13, 2013
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Sorry to hear your extension office was not so helpful, Janet. OSU should be able to come up with some workable solutions for your problem.
Catherine Smith
on Jun 14, 2013
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I tried sprinkling flour (ordinary flour, not self-raising) over my plants. What happens is that the grasshoppers will eat the plants (together with the flour). The flour causes some kind of reaction in their stomachs and causes them to die. The best time to sprinkle the flour on is first thing in the morning, while there is still an accumulation of dew on the plants from the night before. Rinse the flour off the plants after about three days. The flour does not harm the plants. It worked for me!
Valerie
on Jun 14, 2013
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There are many natural(and chemical free) enemies of grasshoppers. you can find some help here: http://www.extension.org/pages/41546/what-are-the-natural-enemies-of-grasshoppers#.VT7BwlVViko http://www.ext.colostate.edu/ptlk/1447.html http://animals.pawnation.com/grasshoppers-enemies-7873.html I hope this helps....
Capernius
on Apr 27, 2015
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