Eastern Lubber Grasshopper Season Guide
Learn when lubber grasshopper season hits Florida, the damage they cause, and how early control protects your landscape.
Eastern Lubber Grasshopper Season in Florida
The Problem with Eastern Lubber Grasshoppers Around Your Home
If you’ve lived through a Florida spring, you’ve probably seen them. They are large, slow-moving, and impossible to ignore. Eastern Lubber Grasshoppers are one of the most destructive and frustrating pests for homeowners. What starts as a few small black nymphs can quickly turn into a full-blown infestation of brightly colored, heavy-bodied grasshoppers devouring everything in sight.
These pests don’t just pass through. Once they establish themselves, they stay and feed aggressively on your ornamental plants, vegetables, and landscaping. Because of their size and appetite, even a small population can cause noticeable damage in a short amount of time.
When Is Eastern Lubber Grasshopper Season?
Eastern Lubber Grasshopper season in Florida typically begins in early spring and can last through late summer.
The life cycle starts when eggs hatch in March and April, releasing clusters of small, black nymphs with yellow or orange markings. These young grasshoppers gather in groups and begin feeding immediately. As temperatures rise, they grow rapidly, molting several times before reaching adulthood by early to mid-summer. Adult lubbers are much larger, often reaching up to 3 inches long, and are easily identified by their bright yellow, orange, and black coloration. By this stage, they are more spread out but continue feeding throughout the summer months.
Because Florida’s climate is warm and humid, conditions are ideal for their development, allowing populations to grow quickly if left untreated.
Why You Should Treat Lubber Grasshoppers in the Nymph Stage
The nymph stage is the most important window for effective control. When Eastern Lubber Grasshoppers are young, they are:
- Smaller and easier to manage
- Less mobile and tend to stay grouped together
- More susceptible to treatment methods
Once they reach adulthood, control becomes significantly more difficult. Adult lubbers are not only larger but also develop a natural defense mechanism, they release a foul-smelling toxin that deters predators and makes them unpleasant to handle.
Targeting them early prevents population growth and reduces the risk of widespread plant damage. Professional pest control treatments during this stage can dramatically reduce their numbers before they mature and disperse. Waiting too long often means dealing with a much bigger problem that requires more aggressive and repeated treatments.
Damage Caused by Eastern Lubber Grasshoppers
Both nymph and adult Eastern Lubber Grasshoppers are heavy feeders, but the extent of damage increases as they grow.
Nymph Damage
Young lubbers feed in groups, skeletonizing leaves and chewing through tender plants. This early damage can weaken plants and stunt growth.
They are often found swarming specific host plants in the garden before they have a chance to spread.
Adult Damage
As adults, their appetite becomes even more destructive. They consume entire leaves, flowers, and even soft stems. Common targets include:
- Ornamental plants
- Garden vegetables
- Shrubs and landscape foliage
Because they are slow-moving and not easily deterred, they will continue feeding in the same area until the food source is depleted. Over time, this can lead to significant aesthetic damage and costly plant replacement for homeowners.
Call In the Experts at Insect IQ
Eastern Lubber Grasshoppers are much easier to control early, but timing and proper treatment make all the difference.
At Insect IQ, we understand the seasonal patterns of Florida pests and know exactly when and how to treat lubber grasshopper populations before they get out of control. Our targeted treatments focus on stopping infestations at the source, protecting your landscape, and preventing future outbreaks.
Don’t wait until the damage is already done. Protect your lawn, plants, and peace of mind.
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