How to spot it
Long-legged jumping insects, green to brown, 1 to 2 inches long. Worst in dry years, from midsummer on.
What it does
They chew big ragged holes in leaves and can strip plants.
What to do now
- Pick them off in the cool morning, when they're slow.
- Cover the crops you care most about with row cover.
- In spring, a bait made from a natural grasshopper disease (Nosema locustae) cuts next year's numbers.
Keep it away next time
- Turn the soil in fall to break up egg pods.
- Welcome birds; chickens love grasshoppers.
Helpful supplies
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Plants it affects
Not sure? Your county extension office can identify it from a photo or sample, often for free.