Grasshoppers – Survey and maps

Methodology

The 2024 grasshopper survey map is based on adult grasshoppers counts conducted in late July and August 2024 by the Agricultural Fieldmen of Alberta.

The adult grasshopper counts give an indication of the number of individuals capable of reproduction and egg laying. Environmental factors can result in higher or lower actual populations than forecast. Individual producers need to be aware of the potential risks in their area and monitor fields accordingly and then make the appropriate decisions if control measures are required.

For information on identification, life cycle, damage and pest management, see Grasshopper – Overview.

2024 survey findings

Peace River Region and North Central Alberta

In 2024 in the Peace region, the grasshopper numbers were low.

After evaluating years of grasshopper data, a trend has emerged that one species (Melanoplus bruneri, Bruner’s spur-throat grasshopper) in the Peace and northern crop-production areas seems to have a 2-year lifecycle. On the Alberta side of the Peace, a pattern of odd years with grasshopper numbers that can cause crop loss issues, while in the even years the numbers are low. If the pattern holds true, then Bruner’s grasshopper could be an issue in the Peace and the northern crop production areas in 2025.

Bruners is not the only grasshopper in this region that can cause crop loss. Scouting the road sides and field edges in late May to early June is key to understanding possible grasshopper issues.

Southern Alberta

In 2024, grasshopper was less of an issue than in 2023. The cool, moist June played a roll in slowing grasshopper development, although development caught up in July with the heat. August and September were warm and dry, ideal conditions for grasshopper egg laying and grasshopper egg development. The potential for outbreaks in the southern region and along the eastern border region in 2025 still exists.

Grasshopper Survey Map 2024

Scouting in areas with significant grasshopper risk in late May and June of roadsides and field edges and where high concentrations were found the previous year is vital to understand the risk of grasshopper risk.

On individual farms, particular attention should be paid to areas that traditionally have higher grasshopper populations. In addition, grasshoppers tend to lay their eggs near areas of green growth in the fall that will provide potential food sources for emerging young the following spring. Areas with early green plant growth such as field margins, fence-lines and roadsides are also areas that will give early indications of potential grasshopper problems.

Control measures

If insecticides are needed, note label precautions regarding user safety and proper application techniques and instructions to reduce impacts on non-target organisms. It is important to remember that control measures are intended to protect the crops from economic damage and are never successful in totally eliminating grasshopper populations. It is easier to scout and control grasshoppers earlier in their lifecycle rather than waiting until they are more mobile.

Acknowledgements

Thanks to all the Alberta Agricultural Fieldmen who complete this survey and the continuation of this important work.

Thanks to Jon Williams, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Saskatoon, for producing the map.

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