Grasshoppers can be a big issue in Folsom, CA, especially during warm seasons when they multiply rapidly and feed on gardens, lawns, and crops. Here’s what you should know about them and how to control them effectively:

🦗 Grasshoppers in Folsom: What to Expect

• Peak Season – Grasshoppers are most active from late spring to early fall, thriving in hot, dry conditions.

• Common Species – The Valley Grasshopper and Red-Legged Grasshopper are often seen in Folsom gardens.

• Damage They Cause – They can strip leaves from vegetables, flowers, fruit trees, and ornamental plants overnight!

🚫 How to Control Grasshoppers Naturally

🌱 Plant Grasshopper-Repelling Plants – Some plants naturally deter grasshoppers, including:

• Cilantro & Basil (great for gardens)

• Garlic & Chives

• Marigolds & Calendula (also attract beneficial insects)

🐦 Encourage Natural Predators – Birds, frogs, and lizards love snacking on grasshoppers. Setting up bird feeders, water sources, and native plants can help attract them.

🌿 Neem Oil or Garlic Spray – Spraying neem oil or a garlic-pepper spray on affected plants can make them less appetizing to grasshoppers.

🪤 Use Floating Row Covers – Protect your vegetable garden with lightweight mesh or fabric to physically block grasshoppers.

If the Infestation is Bad…

• Nosema locustae (Nolo Bait) – This is a biological control (a fungus-based bait) that kills grasshoppers at the egg and juvenile stage without harming beneficial insects.

• Diatomaceous Earth (DE) – Sprinkle food-grade DE around your plants; it dehydrates and kills grasshoppers on contact.

Here are some grasshopper-resistant plants that thrive in Folsom’s climate and help keep these hungry pests away:

🌱 Herbs & Aromatic Plants (Great for Gardens!)

🧄 Garlic & Chives – Strong-smelling and unappealing to grasshoppers.
🌿 Basil & Cilantro – Easy to grow and naturally repellent.
🌾 Lavender & Rosemary – Beautiful, fragrant, and effective at deterring many insects, including grasshoppers.

🌸 Flowers That Grasshoppers Avoid

🌼 Marigolds – A powerhouse at repelling pests, including grasshoppers, aphids, and nematodes.
🌻 Lantana – Colorful and tough, plus most pests (including grasshoppers) dislike its strong scent.
🌸 Four O’Clocks – Toxic to grasshoppers, so they’ll avoid it. Just keep it away from pets, as it’s mildly toxic to them too!

🌳 Shrubs & Trees That Are Grasshopper-Resistant

🍂 Lilac – Beautiful and tough, not a favorite of grasshoppers.
🌵 Yucca & Agave – Hardy, drought-resistant, and unappetizing to pests.
🌲 Juniper – The strong scent makes it unappealing to many insects, including grasshoppers.

🥬 Vegetables That Grasshoppers Don’t Like

🥦 Broccoli & Kale – They prefer softer, more delicate greens.
🍆 Eggplant – Tough leaves make it less appealing.
🌶️ Hot Peppers – The spice factor makes them a natural deterrent.