Grasshoppers stripped plant bare in one day

i moved an outdoor plant from down south and figured i would let it take in a full days rays outside before i tried any pesticides. anyways, the plant was just over 2 ft with lush leaves but within 20 hours all that remained was the stalk. the northern grass hoppers are like nothing youve ever seen. i figured they would of started on the leaves but didnt think they'ed finish off a plant. any ideas what i should do next year as far as keeping them off. ive heard of a pepper, garlic and onion foliar spray. anyone tried this?

 

damn, they must've gotten pretty fucked

 

you're not kidding......
i would pay to see one of them after that