Lubber Grasshoppers

Now is the time of  year to be on the lookout for lubber grasshopper nymphs. The eggs that were laid by adult females last summer are now beginning to hatch. The nymphs are black with a yellow/orange strip running down their back and are about ½ long. As they emerge from the soil they will stay grouped together for a day or two before spreading out to various landscape plants. Their favorite plants are various type of lilies, but they will feed on most plants in the typical landscape. They grow quickly and by June/July will reach an adult size of three inches or so. They cannot fly well as they have shortened wings so they kind of crawl, hop and beat their wings. They can move around surprisingly well

Lubber grasshopper nymphs just
emerged from the soil

They usually are not present in large numbers, but during certain years specific locations can experience very large and damaging numbers. Several years ago there was a heavy infestation south of I-4 along State Road 557 and 557a. These large grasshoppers consumed most of the plants in homeowner landscapes along 557a. Fortunately numbers declined after a year or two and have not again reached those huge numbers. During that same time Infestations in the south and central part of Polk County were relatively small.


When they reach adulthood in early to mid-summer, insecticide sprays are not effective. At the moment they are just beginning to hatch and emerge from the soil. For the next few weeks homeowners need to be watchful and spray these emerging nymphs with either Seven or Ortho Max Bug-Be-Gone Insecticide with bifenthrin. If you choose not to spray, pick up the nymphs and  and dispose of them. They are not very fast and can be caught by hand and dropped in a jar of soapy water where they will sink and drown. The adult are also pretty easy to catch and can be killed by hand or foot. Make sure you carefully look over your plants regularly for these pests. Be sure to track down and kill any that you see in your landscape.