Native Plants
Q. Who is Mr. Smarty Plants?
A: There are those who suspect Wildflower Center volunteers are the culpable and capable culprits. Yet, others think staff members play some, albeit small, role. You can torture us with your plant questions, but we will never reveal the Green Guru's secret identity.
Did you know you can access the Native Plant Information Network with your web-enabled smartphone?
Ask Mr. Smarty Plants is a free service provided by the staff and volunteers at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.
rate this answer
Monday - August 22, 2011
From: Box Elder, SD
Region: Midwest
Topic: Pests
Title: Grasshopper invasion in Box Elder SD
Answered by: Barbara Medford
QUESTION:
I just bought a new home and there is an infestation of grasshoppers throughout the neighborhood. What shrubs and/or flowers could I plant that they may not like to eat?ANSWER:
We are not entomologists so we probably can't help you much. We can tell you that there are virtually no plants that grasshoppers will not eat. From Grasshopperfacts.net, here is information on What do Grasshoppers Eat?, which is apparently everything, including each other when times are really bad.
We found one reference from North Dakota State University Resources Grasshopper Management Information that offers some help. Local guidance may be found by contacting the South Dakota Extension Service for Meade Co. What we got in general was that when it turns cold, they will be gone, and might not come back in such numbers next year. The swarms are cyclical. We wish we could be of more help.
From Discovery Magazine, we found another article on grasshopper food, from which we extracted this:
"Believe it or not, some people eat grasshoppers, which are high in protein and low in fat. Many people in the United States and other countries cover them in chocolate and eat them like candy. Will someone pass the chocolate-covered grasshoppers please?"
More Pests Questions
Clicking heard under an Oak in near Bandera, TX
May 06, 2014 - Hi, I live on a ranch in TX outside of Bandera. We're covered with live oaks, spanish oak and cedar. Last week,as I stood under an oak, I heard a constant fairly loud clicking sound under and around ...
view the full question and answer
Mountain laurels with insect problems in Bandera, TX..
April 30, 2012 - I have 3 mountain laurels about 8 yrs old. Suddenly about 3 yrs ago worms started decimating them. This yr I got dipel dust which works great but only for two weeks. I now have small red flies and ...
view the full question and answer
Spots on calycanthus petals from Buckley WA
June 20, 2013 - Petals on calycanthus develop black spots the turn into holes. Problem appears shortly after buds open. Occurs every year. Foliage is healthy. Plant growing well and doubles or triples size every ...
view the full question and answer
Vines free from cutter ants from Caldwell TX
November 14, 2012 - What are some climbing vines cutter ants won't eat
view the full question and answer
Lace Bugs on Lantana
August 06, 2015 - All my lantana bushes are suffering from severe lace bug infestation. The lace bugs have been seen via microscope as well exoskeletons and poop. The buds are destroyed and I have no flowers for hummin...
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |