When summer rolls around, it’s not uncommon to see grasshoppers hopping through your garden. Sometimes, they pass by without causing much harm, but other times, they settle in and invite all their friends!
This happened to me last year. I was shocked when I checked my garden and saw them munching on my plants. Grasshoppers aren’t picky—they’ll eat leaves, flowers, stems, and seeds. If it grows, they’ll find a way to ruin it.
Thankfully, I discovered some simple methods to keep them away. If you spot grasshoppers in your garden, don’t wait for more to show up. Act fast before they take over!
Raise Chickens
Why not try raising chickens? Chickens love to eat grasshoppers and their larvae, so after a few weeks, you’ll hardly see any in your yard.
I got some chickens last year, and they made a huge difference. Plus, you’ll have fresh eggs every morning!
Just be sure to protect your flowers with a fence so the chickens don’t get to them. A few hours of letting your chickens roam around can save your garden from a grasshopper invasion.
Make Garlic and Hot Pepper Spray
This natural spray is a great way to repel grasshoppers without using chemicals. They can’t stand the smell of garlic or the heat of peppers—maybe they’re part vampire!
Chop up some garlic and peppers, then add six cups of water. Boil for about twenty minutes on medium heat and let it cool overnight. Strain the mixture the next day and pour it into a spray bottle.
Spray your plants daily, especially after watering or rain, as the spray can wash off. Keep at it until the grasshoppers decide your garden isn’t worth the trouble. Trust me, they’ll leave quickly!
Try Trap Cropping
Ever heard of trap cropping? It’s a clever way to keep grasshoppers away from your plants.
Plant wheat, rye, or timothy grass near your crops early in the spring. These plants will grow and become irresistible to grasshoppers, drawing them away from your vegetables and flowers.
The grasshoppers will be satisfied with the trap crops and won’t bother the rest of your garden. You might even end up saving the entire neighborhood’s crops!
Dust with Flour
Believe it or not, flour can be a powerful tool against grasshoppers! It acts as a natural insecticide, and I was just as surprised as you are when I found out.
Fill a jar with flour and poke small holes in the lid. Lightly dust the leaves of your plants with the flour—just be sure to use plain all-purpose flour, not baking mixes that might contain salt or sugar, which can harm the soil. Apply it daily, just like the spray.
Get Ready to Protect Your Garden!
Are you ready to give these tips a try? Each method has proven to be effective in keeping grasshoppers at bay. Whether you’re raising chickens or making a natural spray, you’ll have fun while protecting your garden.
Gather your supplies and start making your garden a grasshopper-free zone!