Information available in each extension office. Results from fall 1998 grasshopper surveys indicated that 1999 may be a year with widespread and severe grasshopper problems, and apparently these predictions were accurate. Early spring observations of areas that had grasshoppers the previous fall are essential for determining the current year's infestation and for planning management actions.
Young grasshoppers are much easier to manage than adult grasshoppers.
Grasshopper numbers greater than eight per square yard are considered economically damaging and treatment should be considered. Although life histories vary among species of grasshoppers, all start from eggs laid in the soil, usually in non-cropland areas. Eggs are laid in groups of 20-120 called pods. This is the stage in which many grasshoppers spend the winter, but some overwinter as nymphs or adults. The eggs hatch into nymphs, which closely resemble the adult but have no wings.