Grasshopper Control Options

For ranchers, grasshoppers can be very expensive. Not only do Colorado’s more than 100 species of grasshoppers cause costly damage to grazing land and forage crops, the cost of rangeland grasshopper control is more expensive than ever. USDA cost-share programs have been restructured and most property owners have to pay for grasshopper control themselves.

But there is a way to control grasshoppers and costs through Reduced Agent and Area Treatments (RAATs). A method of integrated pest management for rangeland, RAATs use reduced levels of insecticide (lower than the levels recommended on the label) and limit treatment to only half the rangeland. Swaths of untreated land (referred to as refuges) are alternated with swaths of treated land.

With wings and strong legs, grasshoppers are very mobile. Obviously the grasshoppers in treated swaths will be killed. But the grasshoppers in untreated swaths are almost guaranteed to move to a treated swath.

Here are the numbers: With most RAATs, 50% to 75% less insecticide is applied through reducing levels of insecticide and applying to only half the land. However, RAATs typically report a grasshopper kill rate of 80% to 95%. Even though a reduced amount of insecticide is applied to half the land, there’s only a 5% to 15% reduction in mortality. Most RAATs result in a 66% cost savings compared to full level and blanket coverage. For many ranchers, that takes the cost of treatment back to what they paid in the late 1980s.

Even more good news – because annual climate plays a major role in grasshopper population, the 5% to 15% grasshopper survival rate has not been shown to result in outbreaks in the subsequent years. RAATs also have less of an impact on soil and water condition and populations of beneficial insects and wildlife.

SprayTech, Colorado rangeland specialists, can provide Reduced Agent and Area Treatments for your rangeland. Call them today at 720-248-0000.