Over the last week or so I’ve noticed a new pest that has popped up in the Lewis back yard that I haven’t even thought about in a long time. I’ve dealt with wasps, aphids, and maple bugs in the past, but I can’t recall the last time I saw a grasshopper in our yard.

I’ve noticed quite a few when I’ve taken Max to the dog park, but I haven’t seen one in our yard for years, until now. I was sitting on the deck this weekend when a grasshopper suddenly jumped up onto the patio table right in front of me. He hopped on the table and I nearly hopped out of my shorts!

After that I started seeing a few more. I’d see them sitting on the barbeque, the table, and on the chairs. I know they’re harmless, but the thought of one jumping on me gives me the heebie-jeebies.

Seeing as the maple bug numbers seem to be down drastically, compared to the last couple of years, it only makes sense that another insect has jumped in to fill the void.

It always seems to be something. I would love one summer where I could sit on the deck and not have to worry about dodging wasps or picking aphids off of my shirt and out of my hair for the next hour after going in for the night.

I guess there is a time that I could sit on the deck and not have to worry about a single insect, but I really don’t relish the idea of sitting at the patio table in the dead of winter!