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Nosema locustae is a microsporidium fungi that is used to kill grasshoppers, caterpillars, some corn borers and crickets

This single-celled protozoan infects and kills over 90 species of grasshoppers, locusts, and some species of crickets. Nosema Iocustae is non-toxic to humans, livestock, wild animals, birds, fish, and pets. Should be applied early in the season as over-wintering hoppers emerge.

Apply 1-2 pounds per acre, broadcasting around entire infected area as well as outlying areas such as drying grasses and fields. A second application may be necessary to treat heavily infected areas 4-6 weeks later. Nosema is applied to large flake wheat bran which serves as a bait. Grasshoppers are attracted to the bran because of its high protein content. After indigesting the bait grasshoppers are infected with the Nosema. The Nosema grows and reproduces in the fat bodies inside the grasshoppers, then begins destroying cells causing grasshoppers to become lethargic, greatly reducing food consumption, and eventually death. In 7-10 days, grasshoppers will begin to move slowly and their food consumption will begin to drop and many may have died or should begin to die. After this time at least 50-60% of the remaining grasshoppers should be infected to the point that they will not live to reproduce, and 25-50% of the survivors will be infected. The disease is contagious and newly hatched grasshoppers become infected by cannibalizing diseased grasshoppers in the area.