If you’re seeing more grasshoppers than you’d like in your garden, you’re probably wondering what repels grasshoppers effectively. The good news is that several natural methods can protect your plants without harsh chemicals.
These insects can quickly defoliate your vegetables, flowers, and herbs. But by understanding what deters them and creating an unwelcoming environment, you can manage them successfully. This guide covers practical, proven strategies you can start using today.
What Repels Grasshoppers
Natural repellents work by targeting a grasshopper’s senses—like smell and taste—or by creating physical barriers. They are a key part of integrated pest management, which aims for balance rather than total eradication. Let’s look at the most effective options.
Plant-Based Repellents and Companion Planting
Grasshoppers are picky eaters. They strongly dislike certain strong-smelling herbs and flowers. Interplanting these with your vulnerable crops can mask attractive scents and protect your garden.
Here are some plants known to repel grasshoppers:
* Cilantro (Coriander): Its potent aroma is a strong deterrent.
* Garlic and Onions: Alliums confuse grasshoppers with their strong smell.
* Dill and Parsley: These herbs seem to confuse or repel them.
* Marigolds: The distinct smell of French marigolds is particularly effective.
* Calendula: Also called pot marigold, it’s a useful companion plant.
* Larkspur: This flowering plant is toxic to grasshoppers if ingested.
Companion planting these throughout your garden, especially around the borders, can create a protective buffer. It’s one of the easiest long-term strategies to implement.
Natural Spray Repellents You Can Make
When grasshoppers are already present, a direct application can help. Homemade sprays are cost-effective and safe for you, your plants, and beneficial insects when used correctly.
Garlic and Hot Pepper Spray:
This creates a spicy, smelly barrier grasshoppers will avoid.
1. Blend two whole garlic bulbs and two hot peppers (like cayenne) with a little water.
2. Steep the mixture in a gallon of water for 24 hours.
3. Strain it and add a tablespoon of mild liquid soap (to help the spray stick).
4. Spray liberally on plant leaves, especially the undersides. Reapply after rain.
Neem Oil Solution:
Neem oil is a triple-threat: it can repel, disrupt feeding, and interfere with the insect’s life cycle.
1. Mix 1-2 teaspoons of pure neem oil and 1/2 teaspoon of mild liquid soap per quart of warm water.
2. Shake vigorously and spray in the early morning or late evening to avoid leaf burn.
3. Apply every 7-10 days or after rainfall for ongoing protection.
Vinegar-Based Spray:
The strong acetic acid in vinegar can deter pests. Use this carefully, as it can harm some plants—test on a few leaves first.
1. Mix one part white vinegar with three parts water.
2. Add a few drops of liquid soap.
3. Spray directly on grasshoppers or on plants as a deterrent, avoiding the soil.
Physical and Environmental Barriers
Stopping grasshoppers from reaching your plants is often the most surefire method. These tactics are especially crucial for young, tender plants that are most vulnerable.
* Floating Row Covers: This lightweight fabric is your best defence. It lets in light and water but keeps pests out. Secure the edges tightly with soil or pins so grasshoppers can’t crawl underneath.
* Metal Screening: For smaller plants or garden beds, a fine metal mesh can provide a sturdy barrier.
* Create a “Trap Crop” Border: Plant a sacrificial crop, like tall grass or a patch of rye, around your garden’s perimeter. Grasshoppers may gather there instead, making them easier to manage.
* Keep Your Garden Tidy: Eliminate weedy areas and tall grass near your garden. These are prime egg-laying sites and hiding spots for nymphs (young grasshoppers).
Encouraging Natural Predators
A healthy garden ecosystem is your greatest ally. By attracting and protecting the animals that eat grasshoppers, you get free, ongoing pest control.
Here’s who to invite to your garden:
* Birds: Install bird feeders, birdbaths, and nesting boxes to attract species like sparrows, blackbirds, and blue jays.
* Insects: Praying mantises, robber flies, and certain spiders are fierce predators. Plant diverse flowers to support them.
* Reptiles and Amphibians: A simple toad house or a small rock pile can encourage toads, lizards, and snakes to take up residence.
Reducing broad-spectrum pesticide use is critical for keeping these beneficial predators around and healthy.
Diatomaceous Earth (Food Grade)
This fine powder, made from fossilized algae, is a mechanical insecticide. It’s sharp on a microscopic level, damaging the exoskeletons of insects that crawl through it, causing them to dehydrate.
To use it effectively:
1. Only use food-grade DE in your garden.
2. Dust a thin layer around the base of plants and on leaves (especially the undersides).
3. Reapply after rain or heavy dew, as it loses effectiveness when wet.
4. Wear a mask when applying to avoid inhalation, and try not to apply it directly to open flowers where bees may visit.
Cultural Practices for Long-Term Control
How you manage your garden can make it less appealing to grasshoppers from the start. These practices focus on prevention.
* Till Soil in Late Fall: Tilling disrupts grasshopper eggs laid in the soil, exposing them to cold weather and predators.
* Plant Early or Late: Get your crops established before grasshopper populations peak in mid-summer, if your climate allows.
* Use Natural Bait: A mixture of molasses and water in a shallow container can attract and drown some grasshoppers.
* Hand-Picking: While labor-intensive, hand-picking grasshoppers in the cool morning when they’re slow and dropping them into soapy water is an immediate solution for small infestations.
FAQ: Natural Grasshopper Control
What smell do grasshoppers hate the most?
Grasshoppers strongly dislike the pungent smells of garlic, onion, and hot pepper. Herbs like cilantro and dill are also effective at repelling them due to their strong aromas.
What is a homemade repellent for grasshoppers?
A simple and effective homemade repellent is a garlic and hot pepper spray. Blend garlic and peppers, steep in water, strain, add a little soap, and spray on plants. Neem oil mixed with water and soap is another excellent option.
What can I put in my garden to keep grasshoppers away?
Planting repellent herbs and flowers like marigolds, calendula, cilantro, and garlic around your garden borders can help. Also, consider using floating row covers as a physical barrier to protect your most prized plants from damage.
Does vinegar keep grasshoppers away?
Yes, a diluted vinegar spray can act as a deterrent due to its strong scent and acidity. However, it should be used with caution as it can potentially harm some plants—always test it on a small area first.
Managing grasshoppers naturally requires persistence and a combination of methods. Start with preventative measures like tidy borders and companion planting. If they appear, use sprays or barriers for immediate protection. Over time, fostering a garden full of birds, beneficial insects, and other predators will provide the most sustainable control. With these steps, you can enjoy your garden with fewer unwanted visitors munching on your hard work.