Here’s How To Get Rid Of Florida’s Giant Grasshoppers
Spring is right around the corner and that means the giant grasshoppers in Florida are making their move throughout the Sunshine State. These pests hide out underground and suddenly emerge every Spring to take over your lawn and plants throughout your yard. But, how do you get rid of them? We’re here to help.
Every year, the Eastern Lubber Grasshoppers emerge from the ground to take over your yard. They grow to about 3 inches long and can multiply very fast.
Vice President of Horticulture for the Naples Botanical Gardens, Brian Galligan said, “They hatch in the hundreds. They have these little larvae that are pro by the adults – they develop underground, and this time, they hatch. In one location, a dozen or so will just start emerging.”
These grasshoppers only live for about 3 months, so take care of them while you can. Before dying off, they lay larvae underground so the offspring can surface the next spring to start the cycle all over again.
Galligan says the quickest way to get rid of these insects is the ‘old fashioned way’. If you see one of them buggers on the ground, give it a good stomp. They can destroy your shrubbery very fast so don’t wait around.
Are these giant grasshoppers dangerous?
Chances are, you’ve seen these grasshoppers around your yard. They’re about 2 to 3 inches long with yellow and black coloring when they’re adults. In the earlier stages, they’re darker colored with red accents.
The lubbers aren’t particularly dangerous to humans but are poisonous to smaller mammals and birds. Animals have died from the toxins inside these grasshoppers so be sure to keep an eye on your pets while in the yard. You can touch these insects, but just to be safe, do not eat them.
According to UFL, the lubbers can be taken out in a few ways. If you see one, it may not be a problem, but if you catch a glimpse of multiple on a branch, knock them down into a bucket of soap and water.
How do you deal with these giant grasshoppers in your Florida yard?
