GRASSHOPPERS

Grasshoppers are relatively large insects, capable of doing considerable damage in a short amount of time. Grasshoppers are general feeders on grasses and weeds and often move to cultivated crops later in the season. Crop damage is likely to be greatest in years when dry weather accompanies high populations. Drought conditions reduce natural vegetation, forcing grasshoppers to move to cultivated crops when preferred food sources become scarce. Drought conditions also suppress naturally occurring entomopathogenic fungi (fungi that infect and kill insects) that help keep grasshopper populations in check.