Description

Nolo Bait™ is an EPA registered biological control for grasshoppers, including Mormon crickets. Nolo Bait™ contains naturally occurring Nosema locustae spores. These spores are uniformly applied to flaky wheat bran at a rate of at least 1 billion spores per pound of bran. The bran is consumed by the grasshoppers and they become infected with the spores. Young grasshoppers that consume the bait will die more quickly than older stages. As Nosema locustae builds up in the gut of heavily infected grasshoppers the insects become lethargic and reduce their feeding. Infected grasshoppers are seen by healthy grasshoppers as additional food sources and are cannibalized. This natural behavior further spreads Nosema locustae throughout the grasshopper population. Additionally, infected females can pass the spores through the egg-laying process. The progression and persistence of this organism provides long-term benefit to the landowner without environmental damage.