Grasshoppers in Salt Lake City: Identification and Management Guide

Discover the most common grasshoppers in the Greater Salt Lake area and learn practical strategies to manage their populations. Ensure a productive summer with our comprehensive guide.

During the warmer months, grasshoppers are everywhere in Utah. While fascinating, they can become a significant problem when populations grow. Our comprehensive guide introduces you to the most common grasshopper species in the Greater Salt Lake area, offers practical management tips, and advises when to call in the professionals. Ready to take control of your garden? Let's get started!

Meet the Grasshoppers of Utah:

Migratory Grasshopper (Melanoplus sanguinipes)

• Description: Reddish-brown color, prefers grasslands, meadows, and crop borders.
• Location: Commonly found in agricultural regions around the outskirts of Salt Lake City, such as the Jordan Valley.
• Impact: Major agricultural pest known for damaging crops like alfalfa, wheat, and barley.

Two-Striped Grasshopper (Melanoplus bivittatus)

• Description: Distinctive two stripes along its body, found in various habitats, including fields and gardens.
• Location: It is frequently spotted in suburban gardens and urban parks throughout Salt Lake City and neighboring areas like West Valley City and Sandy.
• Impact: It feeds on a wide range of plants and can cause significant damage to vegetables and ornamental plants.

Red-Legged Grasshopper (Melanoplus femurrubrum)

• Description: Red coloration on its hind legs, commonly found in grasslands and agricultural areas.
• Location: Often seen in central regions, including agricultural fields near Taylorsville and Kearns.
• Impact: Known for feeding on grasses and broadleaf plants, affecting pastures and residential lawns.

Carolina Grasshopper (Dissosteira carolina)

• Description: Camouflaged appearance, usually found in dry, open areas.
• Location: Typically found in dry, open spaces near The Great Salt Lake and Antelope Island.
• Impact: While less damaging than other species, they can still affect vegetation in rangelands and natural reserves.

How to Manage Grasshopper Populations

Grasshoppers, though varied in species, require similar control methods. Here’s how you can effectively manage their populations:

1. Early Detection and Monitoring: Regularly inspect your property for grasshopper nymphs, especially in spring and early summer. Use a magnifying glass to check under leaves and near the soil surface. Early intervention can prevent larger infestations.

2. Cultural Practices

• Vegetation Management: Keep your garden healthy and free from weeds and debris that serve as breeding grounds.
• Crop Rotation: Rotate crops annually to disrupt grasshopper life cycles. For example, switch between planting leafy greens and legumes.

3. Biological Control: Encourage natural predators like birds and spiders. Set up bird feeders and baths to attract various bird species. Spiders, which are natural predators, should also be left undisturbed.

4. Professional Help: For severe infestations, contact professional pest control services like Mosquito Squad of Greater Salt Lake. Our fully licensed experts have the tools and knowledge to manage grasshopper populations effectively.

Fun Facts About Grasshoppers

• Diet: Without food, grasshoppers can become cannibalistic and eat other grasshoppers. This behavior is a survival mechanism in harsh conditions.​
• Singing: Grasshoppers produce sounds (often called "singing") by rubbing their hind legs against their wings, a behavior known as stridulation.
• Five Eyes: Grasshoppers have five eyes—two large compound eyes for overall vision and three simple eyes (ocelli) that can detect light and dark, helping them navigate their environment effectively.​

FAQs about Grasshoppers in Salt Lake City

1. Why are grasshoppers so prevalent in Salt Lake City?
   • Grasshoppers thrive in the Greater Salt Lake area's warm, dry climate. The combination of mild winters and dry summers provides ideal conditions for their development and reproduction.
2. How can I prevent grasshoppers from damaging my garden in Salt Lake City?
   • Early detection, maintenance of healthy vegetation, and encouragement of natural predators can help manage grasshopper populations and prevent damage in Salt Lake City.
3. Are grasshoppers harmful to humans?
   • While grasshoppers are not harmful to humans, they can cause significant agricultural damage. They do not bite or sting but can be a nuisance in large numbers.
4. What attracts grasshoppers to my yard in Salt Lake City?
   • Grasshoppers are attracted to areas with abundant vegetation. Gardens, lawns, and fields with plenty of plant life provide ideal feeding and breeding grounds in the Greater Salt Lake.
5. Can natural predators help control grasshopper populations in Salt Lake City?
   • Encouraging natural predators like birds, spiders, and insects, such as praying mantis and wasps, can help keep grasshopper populations in check in Salt Lake City.

Understanding and managing grasshopper populations in the Greater Salt Lake area can ensure a more enjoyable and productive summer, free from the potential damage these insects can cause. Stay proactive, stay informed, and enjoy the season!