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How to Get Rid of Grasshoppers

Lowe's Editorial Team

By Lowe's Editorial Team
Published February 6, 2025

Grasshoppers are a common garden pest that can quickly become a nuisance in gardens and farms. They devour plants and cause significant damage. If you're struggling to protect your garden or yard from them, this article will show you how to get rid of grasshoppers and prevent future infestations.

How to Keep Grasshoppers off Plants: Natural Ways

Here are several natural methods to control the grasshopper population around your plants.

Natural Predators

  • One of the most effective ways to control grasshopper populations is to encourage the presence of natural predators.
  • Birds, frogs, ground beetles and certain types of wasps are grasshoppers' natural enemies.
  • You can attract these predators to your garden by planting native plants and providing water sources.

Tip

You can attract insect-eating birds like sparrows and bluebirds by installing birdhouses and providing bird feeders. Install birdhouses in open areas near your garden and use feeders with seeds to lure birds initially.

Plant Grasshopper-Repelling Crops

  • Plant grasshopper-repelling crops and plants that deter grasshoppers due to their strong scent or taste.
  • Consider adding cilantro, garlic and marigolds to the edges of your garden. They act as a natural barrier.

Use Organic Grasshopper Sprays

  • Use organic grasshopper sprays like garlic or hot pepper spray. You can also add garlic cloves or chilli powder with water; the spicy solution irritates grasshoppers.
  • Blend garlic cloves with water and a bit of dish soap. For hot pepper spray, mix chilli powder or crushed peppers with water in a ratio of 1:3, limiting the amount of chilli powder.
  • Use a spray bottle or garden sprayer to apply these garlic or hot pepper solutions.

Apply Diatomaceous Earth

  • Sprinkle diatomaceous earth (DE) around your plants and garden beds; it damages their exoskeleton and causes dehydration. For safety, use food-grade DE. Reapply after rain or watering.

Caution

Wear protective gear such as nitrile gloves, safety goggles and a respiratory mask to handle insecticides, diatomaceous earth or contaminated plants safely.

Create Grasshopper Traps

  • For molasses traps, mix one part of the molasses with ten parts of the water and place it in shallow containers around your garden. Grasshoppers are attracted to the sweet mixture and drown when they fall in.
  • Light traps use a bright light to lure grasshoppers at night; you can collect and dispose of them in the morning.

How to Get Rid of Grasshoppers: Cultural Practices

Cultural control methods involve modifying your gardening practices to discourage grasshoppers.

  • Maintaining a tidy garden reduces grasshopper habitats. Remove weeds, tall grass and debris where they can hide and lay eggs.
  • Changing the location or rotating your crops each season can disrupt grasshoppers' lifecycles, making it harder for them to establish a population in your garden.
  • Use a hoe or tiller to loosen soil in late fall or early spring to expose grasshopper eggs.
  • Use row covers or garden netting to physically protect your crops from grasshoppers while allowing sunlight and air to pass through.

Getting Rid of Grasshoppers: Chemical Practices

Chemical treatments may be necessary for large infestations. Always follow safety instructions and use these solutions as a last resort.

Insecticidal Baits

  • Insecticidal baits specifically target grasshoppers. Spread the bait around the affected area and grasshoppers will consume it and die within a few days. Look for baits containing carbaryl or Nosema locustae.

Spray Insecticides

  • Insecticidal soaps are a less toxic option that can be sprayed directly on grasshoppers.
  • Use a garden sprayer to apply insecticides like pyrethrins or neem oil in the early morning or late evening when beneficial insects are less active. They are effective against grasshoppers and have a relatively short residual effect.
  • Consult a pest control professional for advice and treatment options for large-scale infestations or complex situations.

Caution

Broad-spectrum insecticides can effectively kill grasshoppers but may harm beneficial insects as well. Choose a product labeled for grasshoppers and apply it carefully to minimize environmental impact. Wear protective gloves before using these sprays, as they can cause skin irritation.

Maintenance

  • Maintain biodiversity in your garden by planting a variety of crops and flowers.
  • Protect your plants with physical barriers like row covers, netting or floating fabric. These prevent grasshoppers from reaching your crops without the need for chemicals.
  • Inspect your garden for signs of grasshopper activity, such as chewed leaves or visible grasshoppers. 
  • Apply controls early in the grasshopper lifecycle (nymph stage) for the best results.
  • Use multiple approaches, such as traps, sprays and biological agents, to maximize effectiveness.

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