Do Grasshoppers Eat Cactus? Quick Answers!

As with most insects, grasshoppers eat lots of different plants to survive. While some species eat vegetable crops, others eat weed plants and grasses.

Perhaps some insects are feasting on your cactus, you may be wondering if they are grasshoppers. But do grasshoppers eat cactus?

Do Grasshoppers Eat Cactus?

No, grasshoppers do not eat cactus because the plants have sharp thorns that may harm them.

If the grasshoppers are not eating your cactus, what insects are feasting on them? What exactly do grasshoppers eat?

Keep on reading this guide to learn more about grasshoppers and the cactus plant!

What Insects Eat Cactus?

Even though most species of cacti have needle-like thorns, some insects still feed on them.

Here are 5 insects that may be feeding on your cacti:

1. Scale Insects

Did you notice some scars or fuzzy appearances on your cacti? It means the scale insects have pierced the plants. These insects spread fast and can attack your cactus within a short time. 

One of the problems associated with scale insect attacks is that they can expose your cacti to diseases. Take quick action by treating the root of the plant with the right chemicals. 

Another method for getting rid of the pests is to spray your cacti from top to bottom with a garden hose.

2. Spider Mites

Another dangerous insect that attacks cacti is spider mites. They are small mites that form silk that looks like webs on plants. Spider mites are easy to identify on cacti because they look like small spiders. They also leave brown spots on the cactus plants.

Without treating your cacti on time, these pests will eat their outer layer. There’s a high chance your cactus will not survive once the insects feed on it. Treat infested cacti separately with spider mite control until all the pests die off.

3. Cactus Longhorn Beetles

Longhorn beetles can also eat your cactus, especially the adults. Fortunately, they are not small, which means you can remove them with your hands. These bugs on your cacti are easy to spot because they have long antennae and are black.

4. Cactus Bugs

Cactus bugs, such as the longhorn beetles, are easy to notice on our plants. They can be brown or black, with thick bodies and yellow stripes on their heads. Cactus bugs leave yellow-green rings on your plants after they’ve eaten them. 

These pests can expose your cactus to fungi and diseases if many of them eat the plants at a time.

Use the right chemicals to get rid of the cactus bugs as soon as you notice them on your plants.

5. Mealy Bugs

Mealybugs are not easy to detect like the other cactus insects. Not only are they small, but they usually attack the roots and stems of the cactus. One way to identify the mealy bugs is that they always appear as white powder on your cactus’ roots. 

You can stop these insects from killing your plant by putting pest control products on its roots.

What Do Grasshoppers Eat?

By nature, most grasshoppers are herbivores that eat different kinds of plants. But some grasshoppers are omnivores that feed on the animal matter to get protein.

Interestingly, habitat determines the diet of most grasshopper species. In other words, the different species of grasshoppers do not eat the same types of plants depending on where they live. 

Two major factors that determine the grasshoppers’ diet are plant availability and abundance. They also tend to consume some plants more than others because of their nutrients. 

Sometimes, the grasshoppers also feed on poisonous plants to keep toxins in their bodies. When they sense predators, these tiny insects release toxins to chase them away.

As we’ve stated earlier, grasshoppers do not eat cactus. Some of the foods they eat include barley, cotton, grass, oats, clover, rye, and flowers. They also eat seeds, carrion, leaves, moss, corn, wheat, and fungi.

Among these foods, grains, grasses, and flowers are the grasshopper’s favorite diet. They only feed on fungi and moss when there are not enough plants in their habitats.

How To Get Rid Of Grasshoppers In Your Garden

It is difficult to control grasshoppers because they fly quickly from one plant to the next. Try to prevent them from multiplying, and you’re one step ahead of controlling their damage. The two ways most people control the spread of grasshoppers are by using the natural method or biological control.

Take a look at these 2 effective methods:

Natural Method

• Use Garlic Spray

Add about 10 cups of water to two cups of blended garlic. Heat the solution and leave it till the next morning. Add water to a part of the mixture and pour it into a spray bottle. Spray the affected plants with this mixture and the grasshoppers will stop feeding on them.

• Constantly Get Rid of Weeds

Weeds are known to attract different types of insects, including grasshoppers. Create a time to eliminate weeds, not only in your garden but in your home environment. This way, the grasshoppers will have nothing to consume.

• Rear Chickens

If possible, keep some chickens in your area. They love feeding on large amounts of grasshoppers, which can help reduce the insects’ population. But make sure you’re not breaking any rules by rearing these birds.

• Apply Flour

Spraying flour on your plants is effective in discouraging grasshoppers from feeding on them. It creates a gummy sensation in the insects’ mouths as they eat the plants. Try this method as many times as possible, especially when rain falls on your plants.

Biological Method

Use chemical pesticides for controlling grasshoppers on your plants. These chemicals come in the form of baits and sprays. Read and follow all the instructions on the label before using the pesticides.

While carbaryl is very effective for eliminating grasshoppers, it is dangerous for beneficial insects. It is better and safer to use baits containing carbaryl than to use sprays. Whichever chemical pesticide you decide to use, be careful with its application.

More on cacti plants: Do Cacti Produce Oxygen?

Final Thoughts

Grasshoppers do not eat cacti because they cannot handle its sharp thorns. So, if you notice some animals or insects are eating your cactus, they are probably other insects or mammals. Grasshoppers feed on plants such as barley, cotton, grasses, oats, clover, rye, and flowers.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Animals Depend On Cacti?

Some bird species, mammals, and insects depend on the cactus plant. Lizards, birds, bats, and some mammals also feed on the cactus fruits, flowers, and flesh to survive in the wild. Certain species of animals and birds build nests in the plants.

What Plants Do Grasshoppers Not Eat?

Grasshoppers will not eat squash, peas, tomato leaves, or cilantro. However, the list of plants the grasshoppers eat is larger compared to the ones they don’t feed on. Therefore, you need to control them by using a natural or biological method.

How Do I Keep Animals From Eating My Cactus?

Build wire fences around your cactus to prevent animals such as rats from feeding on them. You can also cover the plants every night with a can, or bucket. In addition, place potted mint plants around the cactus as rodents do not like its smell.

If you have dog or cat pets, they can be of help in chasing the small mammals away from your cacti plants.