Well, I have a new enemy amongst my figs - grasshoppers. I wouldn't have thought fig leaves to be their primary choice for dinner, but that is the case in my yard. They are eating away my figs, one leaf at a time. And they are brazen. I caught four sitting on a leaf, munching away. They didn't even bother to stop chewing, just looked up at me like I was the waiter.

To date, targeted Neem applications have taken care of mealy bugs just great. It has had no effect on the grasshoppers though. Local garden centers all suggested I use some broad spectrum insect killer. But I cannot do that, as it would knock off all of my ladybugs, mantids, dragonflies and other beneficial bugs. Rule One - Don't kill your friends.

After a little research, I found Nosema locustae, a single cell protozoa that targets only crickets and grasshoppers. Spores are coated onto wheat germ or some other grain product (it varies with brand). You sprinkle it for the grasshoppers to eat and sit back as they get sick and die. And Nosema apparently makes the dead insects look or smell really tasty, as the rest of the grasshopper then turn to cannibalism. This fix is supposed to work for up to a year and a half once your yard is inoculated.

Works for me. Let the savagery begin!

John , thanks for the great information on controlling crickets and grasshoppers. I've not had any problems with them , but it's good to know there is something that will take care of it without killing everything !

I have seen some baby grass hoppers on my trees the last few days so I trimmed down the grass but so far no feeding damage, a little bit from japanese beetles but nothing for me to complain about, mostly they are just sitting in the leaves bathing in the sun.

Thanks, that's great intel.

My problem is slugs! A month a go, JV sent me some fig trees. I housed them inside my garage for a week until the stress is over. Every day, one leaf was slowly being half eaten. One night I went out in the garage to check on them I saw 2 slugs coming from the baseboard where it was moist. Needless to say, they did not live long! I sprinkled some slug bait around the base of the trees. Today, no more leaves are being eaten. I think I got the problem under control for now. But no problem with grasshoppers.

My solution is ducks and chickens....probably not an option for you John:)  But it is enjoyable to watch bugs turn in to eggs.

I wish we could have ducks and chickens. The home we rent is within a restrictive Housing Authority. They'd probably be horrified that I even grow figs. If it is not a Heritage River Birch or other "approved" vegetation, they'd be on me like overly-zealous plant police. God forbid that anyone can ID their home from all the others without reading the numbers. Fortunately, we have a high fence to shield my activities from prying eyes.

I was thinking chickens for grasshopper control like WillsC,but when I had chickens in the yard they would eat figs and jump up to 3-4' to get one. On a large tree like mine it wasn't a significant loss,but it would likely be a problem with shorter trees with less figs.

You might try mixing your own hot pepper solution or buying some.I doubt that it will stay on the leaves very long with the daily rains that we have been having in the South.

http://www.hotpepperwax.com/Products/

Waiting for James to chime in and  possibly help as he mentioned that problem in past on forum but i have CRS.

John, your writing style is delightful!

Grasshoppers are a source of dietary protein in some parts of the world. I understand restaurants in California are introducing them on their menus. So, here's another solution: grab your fork.

Thanks, Rob. I write for a living, so I guess it is good someone likes it. :)

As for the hot pepper solution, it may make them more palatable, so problem solved.

I don't have a problem with grasshoppers but it's good to know for future reference.  Thanks for sharing.  =)

Good information. Does anybody have issues with earwigs?
They do the most damage to my leaves.

Get some diatomaceous earth at a feed store and sprinkle it where you have earwigs. Could work for hoppers. The image of them looking at you like you are their waiter is hilarious. Throw some of it on your diners. Be prepared for them to jump on you in which case you should videotape the fun.

Somehow, I think I am going to get stiffed on the tip. Cheap and destructive.

John thanks for that info. To those suggesting chickens -- be careful. Once chickens realize how good figs taste not only will they become a night mare but all those other critters that hang out and watch the chickens will learn to eat figs. This includes foxes, crows, jays, etc.

I feed my grass hoppers to my pitcher plant and it loves them.
Grass hopers are decent food - easy to clean once you get the head twist and pull motion down.

I also keep a sharp eye out for praying mantis egg cases when I walk the pooch and I bring them home and attach to my fig plants. These guys are hell on anything that moves - including each other.
I've also found that if I keep Lantana around I get a good crop of crab spiders and they are pretty aggressive.

My problem this year was I ignored my 3 tomato plants for 3 days and the tomato horn worms ate them completely. I'll have to replace them. Usually a predatory wasp lays eggs on them and solves my THW problem, but this year - the first time in 7 years - my little protective buddies aren't around.