Grasshopper populations have become a concern in many parts of Manitoba, after a few years of dry weather conditions that have allowed their populations to grow.

John Gavloski is an entomologist that contributes to the weekly Manitoba Crop Pest Update. He says grasshoppers can cause significant economic damage to crops.

“Levels have been building for the fourth year in a row now. Grasshoppers seem to do better when we get consecutive hot dry summers, and in many parts of in Manitoba, that’s been the case for several years now. So we are seeing the grasshopper levels build.”

There are roughly 85 species of grasshoppers in Manitoba, according to Gavloski, and 4 of those species are considered pests.

He says there are two main species to look out for: the twostriped grasshopper is the most dominant across the province, and is a bit of a generalist in its eating habits, affecting many different types of crops.

Another species Manitoba farmers are looking out for is the clearwinged grasshopper, which is known to feed on grasses. 

“If that’s the dominant species in an area, your cereals and forage grasses would be most at risk,” says Gavloski.

While grasshoppers are moving into their adult stages in most parts of the province, Gavloski says hot and humid weather conditions might help take the populations down a little bit. 

For the most up to date information on insects and all the other pests affecting crops in Manitoba, make sure to look out for the weekly Manitoba Crop Pest Update from Manitoba Agriculture.