Grasshoppers in Montana: The Worst in the West This Summer?

About a month ago, working in my yard, I first saw them.

Hundreds of tiny, baby grasshoppers, about the size of a fat piece of rice. Walking through my grass, they were bouncing around everywhere. Now, in the first week of July, they've doubled in size. I feel like we're in for another bad year for grasshoppers, and for much of Montana, experts are anticipating an influx of the hungry insects for 2025.

According to grasshopper forecasting maps from the USDA, it appears that Montana will be one of the hardest-hit states in the west for hopper density this season. Researchers are predicting more than 15 grasshoppers per square yard (3x3 feet) in much of the Treasure State, particularly east of the Divide. This is similar to the 2024 grasshopper forecast.

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Drought and grasshoppers are best friends.

Grasshoppers thrive in drought and heat, and it's interesting to note that areas of Montana with predicted high grasshopper density are mostly in the ongoing drought zone. If you take a look at the full PDF of the 2025 Rangeland Grasshopper Hazard map, it looks like Montana will be hit hardest of all states this summer.

Urban areas in central and eastern Montana may have fewer grasshoppers, but these pests are still super annoying. My kids and spouse freak out when they land on their legs. My dogs try to eat them. Our cat is annoyed. And the damage they'll do to gardens can be quite destructive.

Various natural solutions and pesticides are available to combat grasshoppers; ask an expert at your local hardware or farm and ranch supply store for suggestions. Some are more effective than others, and some are safe(er?) for pets and humans.