Why are grasshoppers everywhere in Phoenix right now? Here’s the cause

You’ve probably seen them springing out of your path on a hot Arizona afternoon, and no this isn’t “A Bug’s Life.” Grasshoppers are a common sight across Arizona, but why does it seem like there’s an excess of them right now?

Certain species, like the migratory grasshopper, thrive in Arizona’s warmer months, particularly after seasonal rains that boost plant growth. Plus, during population booms, they can appear in large clusters, hopping and flying around yards, gardens and homes.

The quickest way to reduce grasshoppers around your home is to make your yard less attractive to them. Grasshoppers are drawn to food and moisture, so trimming your grass, removing weeds and cutting back overgrown plants can make a big difference.

Natural repellents like neem oil or garlic spray can help keep them off plants and Lighting can also play a role, so turning off unnecessary lighting or switching to less attractive bulbs can reduce how many gather around your house.

Here’s why there are so many grasshoppers in Arizona.

Why are there so many grasshoppers in Arizona right now?

The recent surge in grasshoppers across Arizona is driven by weather conditions. When the region experiences a wetter-than-normal winter or a strong monsoon season, plant growth increases significantly. This creates an abundant food supply, allowing more grasshoppers to survive and reproduce than usual.

Moist soil also plays a major role in their population boom. According to the University of Arizona, grasshoppers lay their eggs in the ground, and those eggs depend on adequate moisture to hatch successfully. In dry years, many eggs fail to develop. However, after a rainy season, large numbers can hatch all at once. This leads to a sudden and noticeable increase in their population.

Arizona’s warm temperatures further accelerate this process. Due to the random heat surge we are having so early in the year, it helps grasshoppers grow quickly from nymphs into adults, and in some cases, it allows overlapping generations within a single season. This rapid development contributes to the feeling that their numbers have exploded almost overnight.

Grasshopper populations also follow natural boom-and-bust cycles. Every few years, environmental conditions line up in a way that supports rapid growth, leading to a “boom” like the one we’re seeing now. However, these spikes are usually short-lived. As food becomes scarcer and predators and disease catch up, the population typically declines again.

Reporting by Tiffany Acosta, Arizona Republic

MORE: Don’t leave these 12 things in your hot car, Arizona. Here’s why