In this video, Tricia shares her tips of getting rid of grasshoppers in your garden before they become a big problem!
What Kills Grasshoppers Instantly? Top Tips on How to Rid Grasshoppers
Grasshoppers can be a real headache for gardeners. These hungry insects chew through leaves, stems, and even vegetables like lettuce, carrots, and beans, leaving behind tattered plants and poor harvests. If you’ve noticed grasshoppers in your yard, don’t worry — with a few smart pest control strategies, you can stop the damage and keep your garden healthy.
This guide covers what kills grasshoppers instantly, how to get rid of grasshoppers in the garden naturally, and ways to prevent them from coming back.
Understanding Grasshopper Behavior
Grasshoppers lay their eggs in the soil during late summer or fall. When the eggs hatch in spring, nymphs (young grasshoppers) immediately start feeding on fresh green plants. As they mature, they can eat their body weight in vegetation every day, which can quickly devastate a garden.
They thrive in areas with tall grass and weeds, so regular weeding and mowing are the first steps to prevent grasshoppers from taking over. Learn more about how they behave in Grasshoppers: Food or Foe.
Natural Ways to Get Rid of Grasshoppers
Encourage Natural Predators
The best long-term strategy to control grasshopper populations is to attract their natural predators. Birds, frogs, toads, and beneficial insects all help kill grasshoppers naturally.
- Add a bird feeder and birdbath to your garden to attract insect-eating birds such as swallows and bluebirds.
- Introduce beneficial insects like robber flies, ladybugs, and lacewings, which feed on grasshopper eggs and nymphs.
- Encourage frogs and toads by providing shady, moist habitats around your garden beds.
Use Organic and Natural Sprays
If you’re looking for what kills grasshoppers instantly, a few organic sprays and dusts work well without harming your plants or soil.
- Neem oil – This natural insecticide disrupts grasshopper feeding and reproduction. Try Neemix 4.5 for long-lasting control.
- Garlic spray – The strong smell repels grasshoppers. Mix it in a spray bottle and apply it directly to plant leaves.
- Diatomaceous earth – Sprinkle diatomaceous earth around plants. This natural powder dehydrates grasshoppers on contact.
- Surround WP – Made from kaolin clay, it coats plant leaves, making them less appealing to chewing pests.
If you prefer fast-acting organic pest control, try Monterey Bug Buster-O or Cann-Care Azapro — both effective against grasshoppers and other garden insects. For a full selection, check Grasshopper Baits and Repellents.
Try Biological Control with Nosema Locustae
For lasting results, use nosema locustae, a natural microbe that infects and reduces grasshopper populations over time.
This biological control spreads among the insects, interrupting their life cycle and helping prevent future outbreaks. It’s especially effective when applied early in the season before the nymphs mature.
Create Physical Barriers
Physical barriers can stop grasshoppers before they reach your crops. Install row covers, fencing or netting, and sticky traps around vulnerable plants. These methods are chemical-free, safe for pollinators, and ideal for organic gardens.
Modify Their Habitat
Reducing hiding and breeding spots is one of the most effective control methods. Grasshoppers lay their eggs in undisturbed soil and weedy areas, so remove debris and mow tall grass around your yard regularly. Crop rotation and mulching can also help deter them. Keeping your garden tidy makes it less inviting to pests overall.
Quick Home Remedies
If you prefer DIY solutions, a few simple mixtures can help get rid of grasshoppers in your yard:
- Soap and water – Mix mild liquid soap with water in a spray bottle and apply directly to grasshoppers to kill them on contact.
- Garlic and chili spray – Blend garlic and chili with water for a strong-smelling deterrent.
- Molasses traps – Combine water and molasses in shallow containers to attract and trap grasshoppers.
For more spraying tips, see Applying Organic Pesticides Effectively.
Conclusion
To rid grasshoppers naturally, focus on prevention first — mow tall weeds, rotate crops, and invite natural predators. Then, use organic sprays like neem oil, garlic spray, and diatomaceous earth for safe and effective pest control. For persistent infestations, try biological methods such as nosema locustae to reduce populations over time.
By combining these organic control methods, you’ll protect your garden from damage and maintain a balanced, healthy ecosystem.