Grasshopper control

Abstract

Grasshoppers are found in every part of the United States, but serious outbreaks seldom develop east of the Mississippi River; they occur mostly in the western two-thirds of the country. Grasshoppers often severely damage range grasses. They also contribute to soil erosion and "dustbowl" conditions. Their feeding is one of the principal reasons for loss of productive grasslands in many of the Western States. Many cultivated crops are also damaged by grasshoppers. When range grass is scarce and outbreaks are severe, grasshoppers often migrate into and severely damage the foliage of alfalfa, clover, corn, small grains, tobacco, sugarbeets, cotton, lettuce, potatoes, and fruit trees. In fruit orchards, grasshoppers sometimes completely strip the leaves and may kill young trees. You can control grasshoppers by applying insecticides. If your farming practices will permit, cultural measures can be used to help keep grasshoppers in check.