We are starting to see grasshoppers in the area.?

Question

Is there a cycle of 4 or 7 years for these things?

Could this be a sign of what to expect next year?

Answer 1

Grasshopper eggs hatch after good rains and warm temperature. During dry periods the eggs will not hatch and can remain dormant until it rains again. It is as if they know that if they hatch there will be no food anyway. So when they do hatch it can predict a prosperous year. Except that grasshoppers are going to destroy your crop or garden..

Answer 2

In my area, we see grasshoppers all year 'round -- juveniles in spring and summer;  adults in fall and winter.  No cycle to 'em.

Answer 3

When environmental conditions are good, you can expect a population increase of just about any animal and plant!  Last year at this time in Texas, there were crickets by the thousands.  They would get into restaurants and become a nuisance.  I had a cricket drop into my lap just after the server delivered my meal!  This year, crickets can be heard but very few are seen!

So it is hard to predict whether the grasshoppers will be present in greater or less numbers next year.