Grasshopper prevention

Grasshoppers are among the worst creatures for your lawn and plants.  Although small, these pests can severely damage or, if left unchecked, destroy grass, trees, and flowers. VIRIDIS Lawn Care of Salt Lake can help you control these pests so your landscape can remain attractive and healthy. Our perimeter pest control can save your lawn the pain of rehabilitation after a pest infestation and you the headache and work. Below we will outline some information on grasshoppers that can help you identify if they are the cause behind problems you spot in your property so you can start treating and preventing further damage as soon as possible.

Identification

Grasshoppers come in a large range of colors – from green to brown to yellow. The adults have wings as well as powerful hind legs. They are typically around 2 inches long although they can be larger or smaller depending on the variety.

Habitat

Grasshoppers generally prefer drier climates. Their population fluctuates each year depending on the weather patterns and the harshness of each season. They often make their homes in unkempt areas of weeds and tall grass which can help prevent them from taking over a well maintained landscape area but also allows them to reproduce without notice.

Diet

Grasshoppers cause the most damage in late summer once they have matured and need more food. This is also the time when many crops ripen. They feed on many garden vegetables, leaves, flowers, grass, and other plants. During heavy outbreak years, they will even feed on many other objects besides plants such as fabric window screens, paint, and wooden handles or posts. The holes they leave behind as they feed are generally noticeable.

Treatment and Prevention

There are insecticides that can help control grasshopper populations. Using insecticides on adult grasshoppers can sometimes fail however since they are more resilient as adults. Applying these chemicals in early summer during their younger stages will prove much more effective. This can help eliminate many grasshoppers before they even have a chance to become a problem. Be sure to always follow insecticide instructions or hire a professional to help insure it is applied correctly. Also, keeping your lawn free of weeds and tilling open areas in the fall to kill the eggs that may have been laid over the summer can help control the grasshopper population near your property. Also, keep a close watch on any open lots near your property to insure you don’t have a breeding ground just waiting to cause you problems.

Grasshoppers are, fortunately, easy to identify as problem causers which can help you get a jump start on removing them from around your home and garden. VIRIDIS Lawn Care’s professionals are eager to help so you can reap the rewards of your efforts on your landscaping without putting up with pests trying to destroy your hard work. Call us with any questions you may have on our perimeter pest control to help you keep your landscape healthy and pest free!