Horsehair worms, a type of nematode, are a notable natural enemy also. Other types of nematodes are natural enemies too. Nematode eggs are laid on plants, and are eaten by grasshoppers. There are several dipterous parasites of grasshoppers, including Tachinidae and Sarcophagidae fly species. Tachinidae flies oviposit eggs on the nymph or adult, and the emerging tachinid larvae eat their way into the body of the grasshopper.
Parasitized grasshoppers have soft, flabby bodies, and are slow moving.
Generally, parasitized grasshoppers die earlier and do not reproduce. Ground beetle adults and larvae feed upon the eggs. Vertebrate predators such as skunks, shrews, moles, salamanders, toads, and snakes feed upon grasshopper eggs too. The use of some products may not be legal in your state or country. Please check with your local county agent or regulatory official before using any pesticide mentioned in this publication.