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Western Nebraska faces grasshopper problem

Large areas of rangeland in the western half of Nebraska are at high risk for serious grasshopper infestations this year.  That’s according to University of Nebraska entomologist Bob Wright.

Wright says the high risk category is based on 2009 surveys by the USDA. He says ranchers in the high-risk areas should be prepared to monitor the build-up of grasshopper densities during the hatching and early development periods from mid-May through June.  

Wright says there are two factors that will ultimately determine the severity of the infestation—the availability of food for the young grasshoppers and the amount of rainfall.  He says the young hoppers are vulnerable to cool, wet weather—and ample rainfall and more vigorous grass growth would also result in fewer grasshopper problems