Grasshoppers Appear Early in San Diego Due to Warmer Temperatures

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Grasshoppers are showing up weeks earlier than normal in San Diego this year, with experts attributing the early arrival to warmer soil temperatures that are triggering the insects' eggs to hatch sooner. While large-scale grasshopper swarms are more common in desert regions, San Diego typically sees more manageable numbers that are considered more of a nuisance than a major threat, primarily affecting grasses and grains.

Why it matters

The early appearance of grasshoppers in San Diego is a sign of the region's changing climate, with warmer temperatures causing shifts in the natural cycles of local wildlife. While not a major agricultural threat, the influx of grasshoppers can impact home gardens and landscaping, requiring vigilance from residents.

The details

According to Rocco Moschette, a sales associate at Armstrong Garden Centers with a background in entomology, the earlier grasshopper arrival is directly tied to warmer soil temperatures. Female grasshoppers can lay up to 150 eggs in a single clutch, and the eggs hatch when the soil reaches a certain temperature. This year, that warming has happened sooner, bringing the grasshoppers out ahead of their typical schedule.

• Grasshopper populations tend to spike cyclically every 8 to 10 years, and experts say this may be one of those windows.

What they’re saying

What’s next

Gardeners and homeowners should keep a close eye on their green spaces to monitor for grasshopper activity and take steps to protect their plants if necessary.