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By Brian Konrad

Homeowners have a few options to control 'hoppers

Grasshoppers making their homes in the Hat

Jul 12, 2023 | 11:35 AM

MEDICINE HAT, AB — Grasshoppers are a problem for farmers trying to grow crops, but early July has seen a noticeable increase in ‘hoppers in residential properties in Medicine Hat.

Several people have noted an increase in the insects in their yards and are wondering, why?

Allison Campbell is the program coordinator for environmental biology program at Medicine Hat College, and says the increasing numbers are due to longer-term increases in temperatures.

Campbell says grasshoppers thrive in heat, as it increases their survival rate and the eggs remain viable longer.

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In terms of control, she says options for homeowners are limited, with companion planting one thing to try.

“Putting in some plants that the grasshoppers do not like, some marigolds are an example of that,” says Campbell.

Campbell, who is also a professional biologist, says homeowners can also try introducing natural predators as a control measure.

“Ladybugs, beetles, those kinds of things like to eat our grasshoppers, and crickets can be helpful as they eat grasshopper eggs,” adds Campbell.

Cutting tall grass and weeds along your property will also make your yard less hospitable to grasshoppers.

In terms of an insecticide, Campbell says there’s not much that can be done, because that would also target other beneficial insects as well.