20 Natural Ways to Get Rid of Grasshoppers on Plants

Many pests damage plants by chewing them. One of these pests is the grasshopper.

Grasshoppers are insects that feed on many garden plants and field crops. As a result, you must get rid of them before an infestation occurs.

Grasshoppers are ancient insects that have existed since the Triassic period and are well-known plant feeders [1].

How to Get Rid of Grasshoppers Naturally

Below are some effective natural methods and home remedies to either kill or stop these pests from eating your plants.

1. Garlic Spray

Garlic spray is a cost-effective way to repel locusts and grasshoppers from crops.

To make garlic spray for grasshoppers, you will need two garlic bulbs and one quart of water.

Blend well, then let the mixture steep for 24 hours. Next, strain the solution through cheesecloth to remove all the garlic chunks, and store it in a glass jar until you are ready to use it.

When ready, add 1 part garlic concentrate to 10 parts water in a spray bottle.

Spray this garlic repellent spray early in the morning. Coat the plants evenly, including the undersides of the leaves.

Reapply this homemade grasshopper spray once a week or if the plants get wet from overhead watering or rain.

2. Onion Spray

Onion spray is a simple, homemade remedy that may help repel grasshoppers due to its strong smell.

To make it, blend one large onion with two cups of water, then strain the mixture through cheesecloth or a fine strainer. You can also add a few drops of mild liquid soap.

Pour the solution into a spray bottle and lightly coat affected plants. Reapply every few days and after rain for best results.

Avoid spraying heavily during hot weather to reduce the risk of leaf damage on sensitive plants.

3. Natural Predators

One grasshopper pest control method that doesn’t involve poison is attracting natural enemies. Grasshoppers have many natural predators, including:

• Rodents
• Ground beetles
• Praying mantises
• Frogs and toads
• Some snakes
• Lizards
• Spiders
• Birds like robins, starlings, and sparrows
• Chickens/guineafowl

4. Grass Trap

Another grasshopper control method is the grass trap. Grasshoppers like to eat grass and other plants in the grass family.

Therefore, plant grass along the edges of your garden and in isolated areas of your yard as a trap-cropping strategy. It may attract pests away but must be managed carefully.

5. Birds

Attracting birds is a great way to kill grasshoppers on plants organically.

Many birds love eating flying insects. Bluebirds, blackbirds, robins, chickens, guineas, and starlings eat grasshoppers.

Providing a water source and shelter will attract a variety of wild birds to your area. Moreover, chickens and guinea fowl make great domestic pets, and both lay good eggs.

However, chickens may damage some garden plants, while guinea fowl are known to be noisy. But on the plus side, having them is a smart way to control grasshoppers in your vegetable garden.

6. Nolo Bait

This biological insecticide works against grasshoppers and closely related insects, including Mormon crickets and locusts. It slowly reduces populations over time and works best as a preventative control.

Nolo Bait is a long-term solution that will require repeated applications to be successful.

7. Hot Pepper Spray

Combine hot peppers, garlic, water, and organic soap. This mixture may help repel grasshoppers.

Moreover, it will repel other insects as well, as the solution’s taste and smell will be repulsive to them.

8. Soapy Water

This home remedy can be a bit time-consuming, but it is effective in killing them. It works best when physically knocking insects into soapy water.

Therefore, knock the grasshoppers off the plants and into a bucket of soapy water, where they’ll drown. You can also spray the solution directly on the pests.

For the recipe, mix four tablespoons of liquid soap with a gallon of water. Dawn dish soap can work; however, you can use organic soaps for organic vegetable gardens.

This solution will help you keep grasshoppers off your plants and prevent them from attacking.

9. Tilling

Do this early in the spring and right after harvest. Both times may destroy egg pods and disrupt this part of the grasshopper’s life cycle.

10. Hand Picking

Hand picking is one of the simplest ways to reduce small grasshopper populations naturally.

Wear gardening gloves and remove the insects early in the morning when they are slower and less active. Drop them into a bucket of soapy water to kill them.

This method works best in small gardens. It can also help prevent larger infestations from developing.

11. Frogs

A pond or shallow water will attract frogs to your garden. They love eating grasshoppers. Toads are also suitable for getting rid of these insects.

12. Neem Oil

Neem oil is more effective against grasshopper nymphs. It helps deter feeding and is more effective against young nymphs than adult grasshoppers.

Spraying your plants with the product will also keep the adult grasshoppers away.

Mix one teaspoon of organic liquid soap with two tablespoons of neem oil and one gallon of water. Shake well, and use this homemade grasshopper killer spray to coat your plants.

13. Repellent Plants

Some plants, not just flowers, repel grasshoppers. They also will not eat some herbs and vegetables.

Dianthus, lantana, moss rose, verbena, jasmine, sage, rosemary, and crepe myrtle are plants that repel grasshoppers.

Using these as companion plants in your garden can help deter grasshoppers before they do any damage.

14. Row Covers

Row covers create a barrier between grasshoppers and your plants, forcing them to look elsewhere for food.

These covers will also keep other harmful insects away.

15. Kaolin Clay

Mix this natural powder with water and liquid soap before applying it to your plants. Kaolin clay will keep away these insects, creating a barrier between them and your plants.

Reapply after heavy rain for continued protection.

16. Garden Netting

Garden netting helps protect vegetables, flowers, and other vulnerable plants from grasshopper damage.

Place fine mesh netting over garden beds, raised beds, or individual plants to create a protective barrier. Secure the edges tightly so grasshoppers cannot crawl underneath.

This method works especially well for young seedlings and leafy crops that are commonly targeted by grasshoppers.

17. Insecticidal Soap Spray

You can purchase insecticidal soaps made with pure, organic ingredients commercially.

The solution is effective when applied to nymphs. It might also repel adult grasshoppers.

Moreover, you can use it on the day of harvest.

18. Bran Bait

Bran-based baits may help attract grasshoppers away from valuable plants [2].

To make a simple homemade bait, mix wheat bran with a small amount of water until slightly moistened. Scatter small amounts away from valuable plants to attract grasshoppers away from crops.

Some gardeners also mix neem powder with bran to improve effectiveness against young grasshoppers.

Replace the bait regularly to keep it fresh and attractive.

19. Essentria IC Pro

Essentria IC Pro is a botanical insecticide option that you can try.

It is excellent for controlling grasshoppers that are feeding on plants. It also works against pasture grasshoppers.

Follow the directions on the container for more details on how to apply it correctly.

20. Crush Them

This method works well to get rid of lubber grasshoppers organically. If you see them on a hard surface, smash them.

Stomping on them is also good if they’re within reach of your foot.

See also: 25 ways to naturally keep mosquitoes away from your house and yard.

FAQ

Can you use flour to kill grasshoppers?

Flour does not reliably kill grasshoppers. At most, it may irritate them or temporarily coat them.

Will vinegar work?

Vinegar is not a reliable grasshopper repellent in real garden conditions. It can also damage plant leaves, especially in sunlight or strong concentrations.

Can you apply diatomaceous earth to kill grasshoppers?

Diatomaceous earth can help reduce smaller pests, but is less effective against large insects like grasshoppers in outdoor conditions. It becomes ineffective in wet, humid, and windy conditions.

Does molasses deter grasshoppers?

Grasshoppers are not strongly attracted to molasses water in most studies. Molasses traps are more effective for some beetles and some flying insects.

Takeaway

Grasshoppers can eat your plants and become quite destructive to your garden; however, you can control them naturally.

Controlling grasshoppers early can save you significant work and help prevent crop damage. Utilizing the above natural remedies will help immensely.