Grasshoppers are insects that have large hind legs for jumping, two wings and two antennae. Many species of grasshoppers are widespread throughout the United States, and because they are general herbivores, they feed on many different plants and grasses. Grasshoppers normally appear in gardens in the summer or early fall. Fortunately, there are two cheap grasshopper control methods that you can make yourself from materials that you may already have in your home.
Oil Spray Control
Step 1
Mix 2 cups of vegetable oil with 1/2 cup of liquid dishwashing soap. Once you have mixed the solution, you can store it in a glass jar with a tight lid for use throughout the summer and fall.
Step 2
Fill a spray bottle with 2 cups of water and 1/2 tbs. of the oil and soap mixture. Shake the bottle to blend.
Step 3
Spray the stems and leaves of plants that grasshoppers are eating in the early morning or evening when the sun is not too strong. Avoid treating the plants during the hottest days of the summer, and avoid treating plants that have hairy leaves. Spray twice a week, which should be effective in deterring grasshoppers from eating your plants.
Chili Spray Control
Step 1
Blend 2 cups of water with 1/2 cup of fresh chili peppers in a blender. Red or green chili peppers are suitable for this method. If you don't have chili peppers, you can substitute 2 tbs. of hot pepper sauce.
Step 2
Add a teaspoon of liquid dishwashing soap to the blender and blend.
Step 3
Fill a spray bottle with the mixture and spray on the leaves and stems of the plants that the grasshoppers are eating. As with the oil spray, do not spray in hot weather.