Natural Insecticide for Grasshoppers

Pyrethrin

• The University of Colorado Extension recommends the use of pyrethrin as among the natural pesticides that may be used to kill grasshoppers. Pyrethrins are derived from the dried pyrethrum daisies including Chrysanthemum cinerariaefolium, C. coccineum and C. marhalli. The flowers are native to southwest Asia, with Kenya being the leading producer of the flowers in the world.

Mode of Action

• Pyrethrins are a contact poison that works rapidly once the grasshoppers come into contact with it. The immediate effect of the natural chemical is to knock down the pests by the paralyzing effect created by the toxins found in the compound. When used at the proper recommended dosage, pyrethrins affect the nervous system by producing nerve discharges that eventually lead to paralysis. If used in a very low dose, grasshoppers are likely to recover after the immediate knockdown effect.

Neem

• Neem is another natural insecticide that may be used to control grasshoppers, as cited by Ellen Norten and Jean Putz in "Neem." The compound is a derivative of the native southern Asia neem tree, Azadiracta indica. The tree thrives in all the arid, tropical and sub-tropical regions of the world. Neem pesticide is obtained by crushing the tree seeds and then extracting the pesticide through the addition of water or alcohol.

Mode of Action

• Neem affects the feeding and egg-laying habits of insects and starts to work primarily through ingestion. As the hormonal functions in insects are disrupted, the pests stop feeding and laying eggs, leading to a reduction in present and future population. Apply enough neem insecticides to the infested plants for the grasshoppers to ingest in sufficient quantities.