What Are The Best Plants To Reduce Plains Lubber Grasshopper Damage

Protecting landscapes from plains lubber grasshopper damage calls for careful plant selection and thoughtful garden design. This article explores which plants can best reduce the harm caused by plains lubber grasshoppers and why they are effective. The emphasis is on creating a resilient garden that resists feeding and supports beneficial insects.

Plains Lubber Grasshopper Impacts

The plains lubber grasshopper is a large flightless insect that feeds on a wide range of plants. It tends to seek tender foliage during warm weather and can cause rapid defoliation in yards and gardens. Understanding its feeding patterns helps in choosing plants that lessen damage.

Impact on Home Landscapes

• High defoliation on tender leaves

• Preference for soft greens

• Occasional heavy damage during droughts

• Movement along borders can spread feeding pressure

Principles of Plant Selection for Deterring Feeding

Plant selection should focus on species that are less attractive to lubbers and on combinations that reduce forage. The chosen plants should be tough, fast growing, and resilient to occasional bites. In addition, a diverse planting plan can recruit natural enemies.

Categories of Plants That Help

• Native grasses with tough blades

• Aromatic herbs with strong scents

• Plants with bitter or spicy flavors

• Dense or spiny leaf texture

Native Grasses and Forbs That Stand Up to Grazing

Native grasses are often better suited to local climates and have evolved defenses against herbivores. In addition to grasses, some native forbs provide cover while remaining less palatable to large grasshoppers. The goal is to select species that rebuff heavy feeding while maintaining an attractive landscape.

Best Options to Try

• Little bluestem

• Big bluestem

• Indian grass

• Switchgrass

• Sideoats grama

• Side oats grama

Aromatic Herbs and Other Deterrents

Strong scents can deter herbivores or mask the scent of preferred food plants. Many aromatic herbs thrive in borders and can be combined with low growing perennials. These plants also attract pollinators and beneficial insects which help in pest control.

Herbs and Plants to Consider

• Sage

• Rosemary

• Thyme

• Lavender

• Oregano

Barrier Plantings and Garden Design

Strategic plantings create physical and chemical barriers that reduce the ability of grasshoppers to reach vulnerable crops. A well designed landscape can channel insects away from valued areas and provide habitat for natural enemies.

Layout Strategies

• Create living borders using tough perennials

• Use tall plantings to break lines of access

• Place dense ground covers near vulnerable beds

Trap Crops and Attractants

Trap crops can lure grasshoppers away from important plants and provide a controlled area for monitoring and management. The use of decoy species can reduce damage to more valuable crops and enhance observation of pest movement.

Trap Crops to Consider

• Sunflowers as decoy crops

• Sorghum

• Cowpeas

• Field beans

Supporting Natural Enemies Through Habitat

A garden that supports natural enemies can reduce plains lubber grasshopper populations over time. Habitat improvements encourage predators and parasitoids that keep pest numbers in check.

Beneficial Insects and Birds to Foster

• Predatory beetles and spiders

• Parasitic wasps

• Birds attracted by shrubs and water features that support insects

Seasonal Timing and Planting Windows

Timing is a critical factor in reducing damage from plains lubber grasshoppers. Planting native species and deterrent plants early in the season can establish durable stands that are less appealing as forage. Regularly evaluating pest pressure during warm months helps homeowners adjust plans to protect vulnerable beds.

Planning for Year Ahead

• Prepare borders in late winter or early spring before pest movement

• Stagger plantings to maintain continuous resistance through the growing season

• Rotate beds to prevent continual feeding on the same species

Conclusion

Plants chosen for resilience and deterrence play a key role in reducing plains lubber grasshopper damage. By combining native grasses with aromatic herbs and strategic barrier plantings, home landscapes can become less attractive to these insects while supporting useful predators. A thoughtful, integrated approach to plant selection and garden design leads to healthier landscapes and longer lasting enjoyment of outdoor spaces.