Planning

• Grasshoppers cause the most damage as they grow from nymphs, young grasshoppers, to mature adults. In the fall, mature grasshoppers lay eggs that will hatch when the temperature reaches 60 degrees Fahrenheit. In order for your treatment to be effective, you need to use it around the hatch time for your state. It may be necessary to apply another treatment four to six weeks after the first application. If you miss the hatch stage, it can be more difficult to control grasshoppers.
  
  

Treatments

• Manufacturers of grasshopper treatments often use wheat bran as bait for their treatments. Companies lace the bran bait with Nosema locustae, a single-cell protozoan that kills grasshoppers when ingested. The protozoan isn't toxic to humans or pets, making it a good option for lawn care. To apply the treatment, fill a spreader with the bran bait and roll it across your lawn. You need 1 to 2 lbs. of bran bait per acre.
  
  In addition to Nosema locustae, the U.S. Department of Agriculture has approved chemical treatments for pest control related to grasshoppers. These chemicals, while toxic to grasshoppers, aren't toxic to mammals. Farmers have specific regulations on using chemical applications around crops, so take this into consideration if you live on or near a farm.
  
  Companies use carbaryl in some types of bran bait and in pest control sprays. To be effective, you need to use 12 to 32 fluid oz. of carbaryl, listed as the active ingredient, per acre. Malathion is another chemical used to kill grasshoppers. It's the active ingredient in some spray insecticides, and you should apply 8 to 12 fluid oz. per acre. The final USDA-approved chemical is acephate, which you can find in spray pesticides. Apply it in a ratio of .094 lbs. AI to 1 qt. carrier. Most pesticides come with the correct ratio for application. For safety, follow any instructions the manufacturer provides.
  
  

Equipment

• You can apply insecticides using a spreader or a sprayer. To have the most success, the treatment needs consistent application. Insecticide manufacturers sell gas-powered, air-driven spreaders to provide a consistent dose of the treatment during application. You can also get chemical sprayers to automatically dispense the treatment, which can be easier than using a sprayer with a trigger pump. In most cases, you can reuse the equipment on an annual basis.