June
16, 2015
This is Jason Lamb
with your Gardening Minute.
Grasshoppers are a yearly problem in
New Mexico. Especially if there is enough food and forage for larger
populations to exist. Last year grasshopper populations in Quay County were
high and we can assume that populations this year will also be high unless
something like a long dry spell occurs that will reduce populations.
Since grasshoppers are capable of
migrating from location to location, they are especially problematic. They
begin in open rangeland where the eggs were laid. Then they feed on grasses and
weeds, when these are gone, they can migrate to other locations and feed on
more plants.
Insecticides can be used to kill
grasshoppers and are more effective when grasshoppers are small but when used
on a limited areas such as small private property, the effects are minimal. All
areas need to be treated in a comprehensive multi agency program to have a
greater impact but even then it must be economical to warrant control.
Insecticides that have a long
residual are more effective against grasshoppers and can be applied around the
boarders of properties for crawling insects and can reduce local populations.
But also pose a high risk to beneficial insects. If you choose to use
insecticides, be sure to choose a product labeled for your plant types and
grasshopper control and always, follow the label directions of the product.
If you would like more information on grasshopper
control please contact the Extension office at
461-0562. This has been your Gardening Minute with Jason Lamb your Quay County
Ag. Extension Agent. Where are programs are open to everyone.
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