If you’ve been noticing colorful grasshoppers hopping around your yard, you’re not alone—it’s the season for eastern lubber grasshoppers in Florida and the Southeastern United States. While these insects might look fascinating, they can be a real headache for gardeners and homeowners alike. At Consolidated Pest Control, we understand that protecting your citrus trees, vegetable gardens, and landscape plants is a top priority, so here’s a closer look at what makes lubber grasshoppers unique and how you can manage them effectively.
Meet the Eastern Lubber Grasshopper
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Vibrant Colors: Early in their lifecycle, when they’re still nymphs, lubbers are black with a distinctive red or yellow stripe. As they mature, they transform into yellow adults with bold red and black patterns.
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Native Habitat: Lubber grasshoppers are native to Florida and the Southeastern United States.
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Toxic to Birds: Most birds avoid eating lubber grasshoppers because of their toxins—one exception is the loggerhead shrike, which has a unique way of impaling the grasshopper on a thorn or fence to remove the toxins before eating it.
The Damage They Cause
These grasshoppers can cause significant damage by feeding on the tips or edges of leaves, impacting:
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Citrus Trees
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Vegetable Crops
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Landscape Plants
Their voracious appetite can leave your plants and shrubs looking ragged, and if the infestation is large, it can lead to considerable defoliation.
Management Options
1. Let Them Be
Some gardeners and homeowners decide to tolerate these colorful pests, allowing them to coexist with minimal intervention, especially if the population is small and not causing extensive damage.
2. Physical Removal
If you prefer not to use chemicals, one straightforward method is to eliminate the grasshoppers by hand. This can be done by:
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Hand-Squishing: Dispose of nymphs and adult lubbers immediately.
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Snipping with Scissors: A quick and effective way to manage small populations.
3. Insecticidal Sprays
For more severe infestations or if you’re not comfortable manually removing them, consider using insecticides. Here are some tips:
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Early Intervention: Apply sprays when grasshoppers are still in their nymph stage—they’re much easier to manage before they become full-grown adults.
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Active Ingredients to Look For: Insecticides containing carbaryl, bifenthrin, cyhalothrin, permethrin, esfenvalerate, or Spinosad.
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Follow Label Directions: Always read and follow the product label for specific application rates and safety guidelines.
Why Timely Action Matters
As lubbers reach adulthood, they become more resistant to many chemicals. Catching them early ensures higher success rates, whether you choose a DIY approach or call in professional help.
Need Expert Assistance?
If you’re dealing with a lubber grasshopper invasion, Consolidated Pest Control is here to help. Our trained professionals can recommend the most effective treatment options—without putting your family, pets, or local wildlife at risk.
Learn More
For further reading, check out the UF/IFAS EDIS publication on Lubber Grasshoppers (Romalea microptera) to dive deeper into their biology, habitat, and additional control methods.
Have questions or need help protecting your yard? Contact Consolidated Pest Control today to schedule an inspection. We’ll work with you to tailor a treatment plan that keeps your landscape and garden looking its best all season long.
