If grasshoppers tend to be a problem in your garden, try Nolo Bait, an EPA registered biological control for grasshoppers. It contains naturally occurring Nosema locustae spores. These spores are applied to flaky wheat bran which attracts grasshoppers who then consume both the bait and the spores. Young grasshoppers consuming the bait will die more quickly than older stages, so the product is most effective when applied in the early spring. As Nosema locustae builds up in the gut of infected adult grasshoppers, they become lethargic and lose their appetite for your plants. In addition, infected grasshoppers are often consumed by healthy grasshoppers, which further spreads Nosema locustae throughout the grasshopper population. Infected females can also pass the spores through the egg-laying process.
Nolo Bait does not harm people, pets, birds, non-target insects, wildlife or the environment and is National Organic Program (NOP) compliant for use in organic gardens. Here at Native Nurseries, we carry it in a 1 lb. bag for $29.99. It is best applied during the morning as that is when grasshoppers do most of their feeding. To increase the effectiveness, split the bag into 3 or 4 applications several days apart (but never within 4 to 6 hours of rain).