Crickets and grasshoppers might seem like harmless garden dwellers at first glance, but don’t let their friendly chirps fool you. These jumping pests can be voracious feeders, capable of decimating entire rows of tender vegetables and ornamental plants in a short time. Once established, they’re tough to get rid of — especially during dry, hot seasons when their populations boom.
This guide will help you identify, manage, and prevent damage from both crickets and grasshoppers in your garden using natural, organic methods.
Identifying Cricket and Grasshopper Damage
While similar in behavior, crickets and grasshoppers have different appearances and feeding patterns. Here’s how to spot the difference and recognize their presence:
Grasshoppers
- Appearance: Long-bodied, with strong back legs for jumping. Most are green, brown, or a mix of the two.
- Damage: Chew large, ragged holes in leaves, stems, flowers, and fruit. They often feed during the day.
- Activity: Thrive in warm, dry climates; often most destructive mid to late summer.
- Mobility: Can migrate and invade in swarms.
Crickets
- Appearance: Shorter and darker than grasshoppers; often brown or black with long antennae.
- Damage: Target seedlings, roots, stems, and soft fruits. Damage is typically lower on the plant.
- Activity: Nocturnal feeders; hide during the day and come out at night.
- Behavior: Attracted to moist, dark areas.
Why Crickets and Grasshoppers Are a Problem
- Both pests are generalist feeders — they’ll munch on just about any green plant matter.
- They reproduce rapidly, especially during hot, dry periods.
- Grasshoppers can fly into your garden from miles away.
- Crickets are notorious for chewing on tender seedlings and even plastic garden supplies or irrigation tubing.
- Both insects can carry fungal spores or viruses that infect plants.
Organic Methods to Control Crickets and Grasshoppers
You don’t have to turn to synthetic pesticides to get these pests under control. There are plenty of natural, effective strategies to keep them at bay.
1. Physical Barriers
Floating row covers are one of the most effective ways to keep grasshoppers and crickets off tender crops.
- Use fine mesh to prevent access.
- Secure all edges tightly to prevent entry.
- Best used on young transplants and leafy greens.
Sticky traps or boards can also help capture ground-hopping crickets near garden beds.
2. Habitat Disruption
Crickets and grasshoppers both thrive in dense, weedy areas. Keep your garden clean and tidy to reduce hiding spots.
- Mow tall grass and weeds near the perimeter of your garden.
- Avoid letting brush or plant debris accumulate.
- Remove unused pots, boards, or garden decor where crickets can shelter.
You can also till your soil at the beginning and end of the season to expose and destroy overwintering eggs.
3. Companion Planting & Trap Crops
Some plants naturally repel these pests — while others can be used as sacrificial bait.
Cricket/Grasshopper Repellent Plants:
- Cilantro
- Calendula
- Garlic
- Horehound
- Chinese mustard
Trap Crops:
- Plant mustard, zinnias, or sunflowers on the edge of your garden. These will attract grasshoppers first, making them easier to trap or treat in one location.
4. Organic Sprays and Dusts
There are several safe products and homemade options you can use:
Neem Oil Spray
- Works best on younger grasshoppers and crickets.
- Acts as an antifeedant and growth inhibitor.
- Spray directly on pests and affected plants every 5–7 days.
Garlic or Chili Pepper Spray
- Acts as a repellent rather than a killer.
- Blend 2 heads of garlic, 2 hot peppers, a quart of water, and a few drops of dish soap. Let steep and strain before spraying.
Diatomaceous Earth (DE)
- Sprinkle around plant bases and on leaves.
- Kills soft-bodied insects by dehydrating them.
- Reapply after watering or rain.
Kaolin Clay
- Acts as a deterrent and creates a physical barrier.
- Mix with water and spray directly on plant surfaces.
- Makes plants less appetizing to grasshoppers.
5. Biological Controls
Encourage beneficial insects and predators that naturally reduce grasshopper and cricket populations.
- Parasitic wasps lay eggs inside young grasshoppers.
- Spiders, toads, frogs, birds, lizards, and snakes all eat these pests.
- Chickens and ducks love grasshoppers and crickets — let them roam in between garden seasons.
Nosema locustae
- A biological microsporidian protozoa that infects grasshoppers.
- Sold under names like Nolo Bait.
- Spread bait around the edges of your garden early in the season to reduce nymph populations.
When to Take Action
Timing is everything.
- Grasshopper eggs hatch in early spring — take preventive action then.
- Nymphs (young grasshoppers) are the most vulnerable stage.
- Crickets become active in late spring through summer, especially during dry, warm evenings.
The earlier you intervene, the easier it is to prevent a full-blown infestation.
Long-Term Prevention Tips
| Strategy | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Row covers | Block physical access to plants |
| Clean up garden edges | Eliminate hiding and breeding spots |
| Companion planting | Repel or redirect pests |
| Release beneficial insects | Introduce natural predators |
| Use biological baits (like Nolo) | Target young grasshoppers early |
Summary: How to Handle Crickets & Grasshoppers Naturally
- Start early in the season, when nymphs and young crickets are most vulnerable.
- Use barriers like row covers to protect your most vulnerable crops.
- Encourage natural predators and maintain a clean garden perimeter.
- Rotate repellents and organic sprays to avoid resistance.
- For persistent problems, combine several methods for best results.
Final Thoughts
Crickets and grasshoppers might be small, but they can cause big problems in your garden if left unchecked. With the right timing and tools, you can protect your plants naturally and effectively — and maintain a healthy, thriving growing space.