Grasshopper problems are sporadic and almost always associated with reduced tillage fields. I’ve seen a few hopping around in some fields I’ve been in. Grasshoppers overwinter in egg cases, which were deposited in the soil last fall. Increased overwintering survival and spring emergence are associated with dry conditions. Grasshoppers also appear to be more problematic on lighter soils and often occur on the same farm from year to year. Grasshopper damage is unpredictable but can potentially threaten a stand. Grasshoppers may feed on foliage, but most economic damage occurs when grasshoppers feed on the main stem of emerging (in the crook stage, cracking) or small seedlings. In some situations, grasshoppers may completely sever the stem, but more often they will chew partially through it, weakening the plant, which will often fall over at the wound site. Immature or wingless grasshoppers are susceptible to several insecticides. However, adults are much more difficult to control. Higher rates of labeled insecticides should be used when targeting adults. Our most consistent treatment for adult grasshoppers has been 0.75 lbs/acre of acephate. Our standard thrips rate of acephate usually provides control of immatures. In fields with high populations of immature grasshoppers, consider including 2oz/acre of Dimilin, an insect growth regulator that provides extended residual activity and good control of immatures. Dimilin will not control adult grasshoppers. Unfortunately, we do not have a threshold for grasshoppers in cotton. Preventive insecticide applications are a judgment call. As cotton emerges, treatment decisions should be based on seedling damage.