Grasshoppers are jumping insects belonging primarily to the order Orthoptera. They have strong hind legs designed for jumping, chewing mouthparts, and usually two pairs of wings. Their coloration can range from green and brown to gray, allowing many species to blend easily into vegetation.

Grasshoppers play an important role in natural ecosystems because they provide food for birds, reptiles, amphibians, and predatory insects. However, when populations become large, they can damage garden plants by consuming leaves, flowers, stems, and young shoots.

Typical grasshopper damage includes irregular holes in leaves, missing sections of foliage, and severe feeding damage on young plants. Grasshoppers may become particularly noticeable during warm and dry periods. Young grasshoppers, known as nymphs, are smaller versions of adults and generally have undeveloped wings.

In smaller gardens, grasshoppers can often be manually removed from plants. Physical barriers such as insect netting or row covers can protect vulnerable crops. Removing excessive weeds around growing areas may also reduce available shelter and feeding sites. Chemical control should generally be reserved for situations where significant damage is occurring.