Damage by cutworms is characterized by young plants cut at or below the soil line, or by defoliation. When cutworms are suspected, dig into the soil at the base of plants to locate the resting worms. Some cutworms may have pale markings running the length of the back. Most injury from cutworms occurs in the spring or early summer. Grasshoppers Grasshoppers feed on a wide variety of plants.
Most people recognize grasshoppers by the enlarged hind legs that are suited for jumping.
Grass-hoppers overwinter as eggs in the soil. Beginning by mid-May, young grasshoppers are hatching and beginning to feed. Young grasshoppers feed on only small amounts of foliage, so they must be present in large numbers to cause significant defoliation. These nymphs are wingless, so they can not fly. At this age, their small size makes them easier to control with insecticides.