OK Zero.........these people don't know shit from shinola her in the Rocky Mountain West.
First.......if the weeds have little purple buds on them and are about 12-18 inches tall.......spotted knapweed. And an atomic bomb won't get rid of them. Pulling them out by the ROOTS will, but will take a few years. Better to burn them off, like Tezzy said, but they will come back.
Grasshoppers???..........catch several dozen and hit the trout streams just west of Greeley and Fort Collins. Grasshoppers happen....just like shit....and ain't nothing you can do about it. It's been one of those years out here along the Rocky Mountain Front with the hoppers. When life gives you a lemon, make lemonade.
Crickets??...same as grasshoppers. You're not going to get rid of them, so enjoy the "chirp-chirp-chirp" as you go to sleep.
Advice....As fall comes on, rent a rototiller and chew up the yard and put in new grass and go from there. Ask a lawn expert what kind of grass to put in.
Anyone for a Weenie Roast?