Grasshoppers are known for their varied diet, but lettuce often sits at the center of the debate. So, do grasshoppers eat lettuce? The short answer is yes, they absolutely do, and it can be a favorite snack for many species.
If you have a garden or a patch of lettuce, you might have seen these jumpy insects munching away. They are not picky eaters, but lettuce offers them moisture and soft leaves. This makes it an easy target.
Let’s break down everything you need to know about grasshoppers and lettuce. We will cover what attracts them, how to spot damage, and what you can do about it.
Do Grasshoppers Eat Lettuce
Yes, grasshoppers do eat lettuce. In fact, they are known to prefer tender, leafy greens over tougher plants. Lettuce is soft, high in water, and easy for their mouthparts to chew.
Grasshoppers have strong mandibles that can cut through leaves quickly. They do not just nibble; they can strip a plant in hours if the population is large. Lettuce, with its broad leaves, is like a buffet for them.
However, not all grasshoppers eat lettuce equally. Some species prefer grasses, while others go for broadleaf plants. But if lettuce is available, most common garden grasshoppers will try it.
Why Lettuce Is Attractive To Grasshoppers
Lettuce has high water content. Grasshoppers need moisture to survive, especially in hot weather. A juicy lettuce leaf gives them both food and hydration.
Also, lettuce leaves are thin and soft. Grasshoppers have less work to do when eating them compared to tougher plants like cabbage or kale. This makes lettuce an easy meal.
Another factor is smell. Grasshoppers use their antennae to find food. Lettuce gives off a mild, green scent that can attract them from a distance.
What Types Of Lettuce Do Grasshoppers Prefer
Grasshoppers tend to go for the softest varieties first. Here is a list of lettuces they like most:
- Butterhead lettuce (like Bibb or Boston) – very tender leaves
- Romaine lettuce – softer inner leaves are a target
- Leaf lettuce (red or green) – thin and easy to chew
- Iceberg lettuce – high water content, though slightly crisper
They avoid very bitter or tough lettuces if possible. But if they are hungry, they will eat almost any type.
How To Tell If Grasshoppers Are Eating Your Lettuce
Damage from grasshoppers looks different from other pests. Here are the signs:
- Large, irregular holes in the leaves
- Leaves that look chewed from the edges inward
- Missing sections of the plant, sometimes entire leaves gone
- Grasshopper droppings (small, dark pellets) near the plants
- Visible grasshoppers on or around the lettuce, especially in the morning
Unlike slugs or caterpillars, grasshoppers leave clean cuts. They do not leave slime trails or webbing.
When Do Grasshoppers Attack Lettuce The Most
Grasshoppers are most active during warm months. They thrive in temperatures above 70°F (21°C). If you live in a hot, dry area, your lettuce is at higher risk.
They feed mostly during the day. You might see them in the morning or late afternoon. At night, they rest and hide under leaves or in the soil.
Young grasshoppers (nymphs) also eat lettuce. They are smaller but can still cause damage. Nymphs often stay close to the ground and feed on lower leaves first.
Seasonal Patterns For Grasshopper Activity
Here is a simple timeline of when grasshoppers are most likely to eat your lettuce:
- Spring: Nymphs hatch and start feeding on tender new growth
- Summer: Adults are most active and cause the most damage
- Fall: Some species still feed, but activity decreases as weather cools
- Winter: Most grasshoppers die off or go dormant, so lettuce is safe
If you plant lettuce in early spring or late fall, you might avoid the worst of the grasshopper season. But summer lettuce is at high risk.
How To Protect Your Lettuce From Grasshoppers
You have several options to keep grasshoppers away from your lettuce. Some methods are simple, others take more effort. Here is a step-by-step guide:
Step 1: Use Physical Barriers
The most effective way is to block grasshoppers from reaching your plants. Use row covers or fine netting. Make sure the edges are buried or weighted down so grasshoppers cannot crawl under.
You can also use floating row covers. These let in light and water but keep insects out. They work well for lettuce beds.
Step 2: Create A Trap Crop
Plant something grasshoppers like even more than lettuce. For example, plant a border of sunflowers or zinnias. Grasshoppers may go for these first, leaving your lettuce alone.
Another option is to plant a small patch of wheat or oats nearby. Grasshoppers often prefer grasses over lettuce, so this can draw them away.
Step 3: Encourage Natural Predators
Birds, spiders, and praying mantises eat grasshoppers. Attract birds to your garden with birdbaths and feeders. Let spiders build webs near your lettuce.
You can also buy and release praying mantis eggs. The nymphs will eat small grasshoppers. But be aware that mantises also eat beneficial insects.
Step 4: Use Diatomaceous Earth
This is a powder made from fossilized algae. It is sharp at a microscopic level and cuts grasshoppers’ bodies, causing them to dehydrate. Sprinkle it around your lettuce plants.
Reapply after rain or watering. Wear a mask when applying to avoid breathing in the dust.
Step 5: Apply Neem Oil
Neem oil is a natural insecticide. It repels grasshoppers and can disrupt their feeding. Mix it with water and a little soap, then spray on lettuce leaves.
Spray in the evening to avoid harming bees. Reapply every few days if grasshoppers return.
Step 6: Hand Pick Grasshoppers
If you have only a few grasshoppers, you can pick them off by hand. Do this in the early morning when they are slower. Drop them into a bucket of soapy water to kill them.
This method is time-consuming but works for small gardens. It also avoids chemicals.
Do Grasshoppers Eat Lettuce In Greenhouses
Yes, grasshoppers can get into greenhouses too. They might enter through open vents or doors. Once inside, they can cause serious damage because there are fewer predators.
If you grow lettuce in a greenhouse, check for grasshoppers regularly. Use sticky traps near entry points. Keep doors and vents screened.
You can also use beneficial nematodes in the soil. These microscopic worms attack grasshopper eggs and young nymphs. They are safe for plants and humans.
How To Check For Grasshoppers In A Greenhouse
Look under leaves and along the edges of pots. Grasshoppers like to hide in dark, cool spots. Also check the soil surface for eggs.
Grasshopper eggs look like small, brown capsules. They are often laid in clusters in the soil. If you find them, remove them before they hatch.
Do Grasshoppers Eat Lettuce More Than Other Plants
Grasshoppers are generalists, meaning they eat many plants. But they do have preferences. Lettuce is high on their list because it is soft and moist.
However, they also eat other garden plants like beans, corn, and carrots. If lettuce is not available, they will move to whatever is nearby.
In some cases, grasshoppers might prefer lettuce over tougher plants. But if you have a mix of plants, they will sample everything. No plant is completely safe.
Plants Grasshoppers Avoid
Some plants are less attractive to grasshoppers. These include:
- Tomatoes (the leaves have a strong smell)
- Peppers (spicy or bitter leaves)
- Eggplant (fuzzy leaves)
- Herbs like rosemary, thyme, and mint
- Garlic and onions (strong odor)
Planting these near your lettuce might help deter grasshoppers. But it is not a guaranteed solution.
Can Grasshoppers Kill Lettuce Plants
Yes, a large group of grasshoppers can kill young lettuce plants. They can eat all the leaves, leaving only stems. Without leaves, the plant cannot photosynthesize and will die.
Even older plants can be stunted by heavy feeding. Lettuce is not a tough plant. It recovers poorly from major damage.
If you see more than a few grasshoppers, take action quickly. A small problem can become a big one in days.
How Many Grasshoppers Does It Take To Damage Lettuce
It depends on the size of the grasshoppers and the lettuce plant. Here is a rough guide:
- 1-2 grasshoppers: Minor damage, plant usually recovers
- 5-10 grasshoppers: Noticeable holes, plant may be stressed
- 20+ grasshoppers: Severe damage, plant may die
If you have a large infestation, you might need to use multiple control methods at once.
Do Grasshoppers Eat Lettuce At Night
Grasshoppers are diurnal, meaning they are active during the day. They do not usually feed at night. However, in very hot weather, they might feed in the early evening when it cools down.
If you see damage that appears overnight, it is likely from slugs, snails, or cutworms. These pests are nocturnal. Check for slime trails or smooth holes to tell the difference.
How To Tell Night Damage From Grasshopper Damage
Here are some differences:
- Grasshopper damage: Jagged holes, often from the edges, no slime
- Slug damage: Smooth holes, slime trails, damage at ground level
- Cutworm damage: Plants cut off at the stem, often overnight
If you are unsure, go out at night with a flashlight. You might catch the culprit in the act.
Do Grasshoppers Eat Lettuce In Containers
Yes, grasshoppers will eat lettuce in containers too. They can jump onto pots or fly to raised beds. Container gardens are not safe from them.
However, containers are easier to protect. You can move pots indoors or into a screened area. You can also cover them with netting easily.
If you grow lettuce in pots, place them on a table or bench. Grasshoppers have a harder time reaching higher surfaces.
Tips For Protecting Container Lettuce
- Use fine mesh bags over individual pots
- Place pots on a sticky barrier (like Tanglefoot) on the table legs
- Keep pots away from tall grass or weedy areas
- Check under the pot rims for hiding grasshoppers
These small steps can save your container lettuce from being eaten.
Do Grasshoppers Eat Lettuce Seeds Or Seedlings
Yes, grasshoppers will eat lettuce seedlings. Young plants are even more vulnerable than mature ones. The tender stems and tiny leaves are easy for them to chew.
If you direct sow lettuce seeds, grasshoppers might eat the sprouts as soon as they emerge. This can wipe out an entire row in a day.
To protect seedlings, use row covers from the moment you plant. Remove them only when the plants are larger and tougher.
How To Protect Lettuce Seedlings From Grasshoppers
- Start seeds indoors or in a protected area
- Transplant seedlings when they are 3-4 inches tall
- Cover transplants with netting immediately
- Water regularly to keep plants strong
- Remove any grasshoppers you see near the seedlings
Seedlings are at risk for the first two weeks. After that, they are more likely to survive an attack.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do grasshoppers eat lettuce leaves only?
Grasshoppers eat the leaves, stems, and even the flowers of lettuce plants. They prefer the soft leaf tissue but will eat the whole plant if hungry.
Can grasshoppers eat lettuce that is bitter?
Yes, they will eat bitter lettuce if no other food is available. But they prefer sweeter, milder varieties like butterhead or romaine.
Do grasshoppers eat lettuce in the rain?
Grasshoppers are less active in rain. They hide under leaves or in the soil. They resume feeding when the weather dries out.
Will grasshoppers eat lettuce if I have other plants nearby?
They might eat other plants first if those are more attractive. But they will still sample lettuce. It is best to protect all your plants.
Do grasshoppers eat lettuce in winter?
In most climates, grasshoppers die off in winter. If you grow lettuce indoors or in a heated greenhouse, they might still be a problem.
So, do grasshoppers eat lettuce? Yes, they do, and they can be a real pest. But with the right steps, you can protect your crop and enjoy fresh lettuce all season. Keep an eye on your plants, use barriers, and act fast when you see the first grasshopper.