How to get rid of grasshoppers on my lawns?

[Col10]

My lawns have struggled over summer due to grasshoppers. I think I have to spray all my lawns but worried about my dog or cats, bees etc being affected. I have 2 large lawns out the front and 3 out the back (large yard) so an economical way would be ideal too. Thanks

 

Coll

[EricL]

Hi @Col10 

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community. It's fantastic to have you join us, and thank you for sharing your question about grasshoppers.

I suggest using Eco-Organic Garden 250ml Eco-Neem Concentrate Botanical Insecticide as it is safe for pets and beneficial insects such as bees. 

Please make sure to wear personal protection such as a long sleeve shirt, gloves, goggles, and a dust mask when using the product. Please make sure to follow all the safety precautions printed at the back of the bottle.

Let me call on our experienced members @Noelle and @Adam_W for their recommendations. 

If you need further assistance, please let us know.  

Eric

[Col10]

Thanks for your advice, I'll give it a go 👍

[Noelle]

Just to add to Eric's excellent advice, do not apply Neem (or any other lawn treatment) in the middle of the day or when the sun is on the lawn as that may result in surface burning.  Choose a cool, overcast day when the maximum temperature will be under 30 degrees and preferably apply later in the day after the peak of the day's warmth.

[EricL]

Hi @Noelle 

Let me tag @Col10 to make sure they see that critical bit of advice you've just shared. Timing is definitely something that must be considered before using the spray in the garden. 

Thank you very much for sharing this very important step.

Eric

[Adam_W]

Hi @Col10 have to say I certainly agree with the advice provided by @Noelle and @EricL Neem oil is a fantastic insecticide option and is one of the few things that works on larger critters.

I have a question however... are you sure the damage we are seeing is caused by grasshoppers?

Sometimes the most visible pest gets the blame for damage solely because it's so conspicuous.

[Noelle]

Certainly looks to be very extensive - maybe heat and lack of moisture in addition to pest issues for such widespread browning off, @Col10 

Most pest damage, whether it be grasshoppers or underground pests like lawn grubs, would tend to cause patchy brown/dead areas rather than almost the entire lawn.

[Col10]

Hi Adam

I can't be 100% sure except that since I noticed lawn dying off they've been around. As I water some areas by hand I squash them underfoot. I've learnt they have a bit of a cycle where every two weeks new little ones appear. They seem to visit my lawns every year about the same time. Apparently takes 2 to 3 years to break the cycle. Family member said could be Slater's too.

[Col10]

Hi Noelle

I hear you. Although I know everything gets plenty of water as I move a sprinkler around to different spots whilst the retic runs. 6 stations to go through. That being said it could be that water isn't getting in to the deeper underground. I didn't want to do that lawn aeration before summer as I was getting on top of the weeds and didn't want to push the seed into ground.

[robchin]

Hi @Col10 

Growing up in the country I know the devastation that Grasshoppers and Locusts can cause. On a technical point I think it's more likely a Locust than a grasshopper if this is indeed your problem. 

A note of caution here - just because you see grasshoppers in your grass doesn't mean that this is what is causing your problem - as per @Adam_W comment. 

Assuming it is grasshoppers it is an uphill battle. If you are having on-going problems you may want to consider some physical barriers during the season eg. Netting.

See how you go with the EcoNeem but be aware that it is an oil-based product and may burn your lawn if applied on a hot day. 

There is also another insecticide that is registered for Grasshoppers - Yates 50ml Baythroid Advanced Insect Killer For Gardens - Bunnings Australia. It's not organic but will help with your problem. Keep your pets off it for a couple of days and don't spray if bees are foraging. 

Good luck.