Homeowners in the Carolinas know that pests aren't just invasive to your home, but also in your yard, bedding, and garden areas. Many such pests, such as fire ants and wasps, can cause more damage (and pain) that others. But there are may other invasive pest types that can prevent you from having a lush, green lawn, or even prevent you from enjoying a nice summer cookout. Here we take a look at various types of common grasshoppers and learn about any dangers or benefits from having them prevalent in your yard.
GRASSHOPPERS COMMON IN THE CAROLINAS In the Carolinas, several species of grasshoppers are common. These species can be found in various habitats, from agricultural fields and gardens to forests and grasslands.
The Eastern Lubber Grasshopper is known for its large size and colorful appearance, often found in gardens and fields. It is a large, flightless grasshopper commonly found in the southeastern United States. They are typically quite large, typically ranging from 2 to 3 inches in length. Their color can vary, but they are often bright and striking, with a combination of yellow, red, and black markings. Some individuals may appear predominantly black with yellow stripes. Despite having wings, they are incapable of flight. The wings are usually short and underdeveloped. Eastern Lubber Grasshoppers are herbivores, feeding on a variety of plant materials, including grasses, forbs, and crops. They can sometimes cause significant damage to gardens. They have several defense mechanisms, including producing a foul-smelling secretion and displaying bright warning colors to deter predators. When threatened, they may also secrete a frothy, toxic substance from their mouth. Despite their defenses, they are preyed upon by birds, mammals, and other insects.
The Differential Grasshopper should be recognizable by the black chevron markings on its hind legs, common in agricultural areas across the southeastern US. Adults typically range from 1.25 to 1.75 inches in length. Differential grasshoppers have fully developed wings and are capable of strong flight. They are commonly found in grasslands, gardens, and along roadsides. They prefer areas with abundant vegetation. They are herbivores, feeding on a wide variety of plants. They are known to consume grasses, weeds, and crops, sometimes causing significant damage to agricultural fields, particularly corn, soybeans, and alfalfa. They are voracious feeders and can form large swarms that devastate crops. While they can be pests to agriculture, they also play an important role in the food chain, serving as a food source for many predators. They contribute to the cycling of nutrients by feeding on plants and breaking down organic matter.
The Red-legged Grasshopper can be found in meadows and grasslands across the entirety of North America. They are usually brown to grayish-brown with a distinct red or reddish-orange coloration on their hind legs, which gives them their name. They have fully developed wings and are capable of flight. The wings are usually transparent or slightly tinged with brown. Red-legged Grasshoppers are commonly found in a variety of habitats including grasslands, meadows, and roadsides. They prefer areas with abundant vegetation. They are herbivores, feeding on a wide variety of plants. They primarily consume grasses but are also known to feed on crops such as alfalfa, clover, and grains. They can sometimes become pests in agricultural areas, especially when present in large numbers. While they can be pests in agricultural settings, Red-legged Grasshoppers play an important role in the ecosystem. They help in plant matter decomposition and serve as a crucial food source for various predators.
Carolina Grasshoppers have a distinctive coloration that helps them blend into their environment. Their bodies are usually gray or brown with speckled patterns that resemble the ground. When they fly, they reveal bright yellow or orange hind wings bordered with black. The wings are an important identification feature due to their vibrant color when in flight. Carolina Grasshoppers are often found in open, dry areas with sparse vegetation such as roadsides, fields, gravel pits, and bare ground. They are well adapted to disturbed habitats and can be seen resting on the ground where their camouflage is most effective. They typically feed on vegetation close to the ground and can sometimes be found in gardens and agricultural fields. When disturbed, they often fly a short distance and quickly settle back onto the ground, blending in with their surroundings to avoid predators. Their primary defense is their cryptic coloration, which makes them difficult to spot when they are resting on the ground.
Two-striped Grasshoppers are usually green or brown with two distinct light yellow or white stripes running from their eyes down their backs to their wings. The hind legs are marked with black and yellow. They have fully developed wings and are capable of flight. Two-striped Grasshoppers are found in a variety of habitats including grasslands and roadsides. They prefer areas with abundant vegetation. They are herbivores, feeding on a wide range of plants. They commonly consume grasses, forbs, and various crops such as corn, alfalfa, and soybeans. While they can be pests in agricultural settings, Two-striped Grasshoppers play an important role in the ecosystem. Their coloration provides some camouflage among grasses and vegetation, helping them avoid predators.
DAMAGING EFFECTS OF GRASSHOPPERS
Grasshoppers can cause various types of damage to the lawns of Carolina homeowners, and Nelon-Cole wants you to have knowledge of these dangers.
Extensive feeding can thin out the grass, making your lawn look patchy and uneven. Severe feeding can weaken your grass, making it more susceptible to diseases and less able to recover from stress. But grasshoppers don’t limit themselves to grass; they can also damage flowers, shrubs, and other ornamental plants in your yard. If you have a vegetable garden, grasshoppers can feed on a wide variety of plants, potentially ruining yields.
The visible damage to grass and other plants can make your lawn look unsightly. Over time, heavy feeding can create bare spots in the lawn where grass has been completely eaten away. Higher populations lead to more significant damage. Outbreaks can occur when conditions are favorable for grasshopper reproduction and survival. Hot, dry weather tends to increase grasshopper activity and can lead to larger outbreaks. Regular mowing can help manage grasshopper populations by removing some of their food sources.
WHEN TO CALL THE EXPERTS AT NELON-COLE
Do any of the above observations apply to your lawn or garden? Our experienced and award-winning team of pest professionals are well-trained at recognizing infestations both inside and outside your home. Our aim is for total protection. We offer treatment solutions that are proven safe and effective, meaning your family and pets won't have to worry about harmful effects. We encourage you to call or submit the form right on our homepage and get a free inspection and estimate. Rid your home of harmful pests (including grasshoppers) for good!
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