Lexi Webster
If your basil plants are being eaten, the culprits could be caterpillars, slugs, snails, beetles, earwigs, aphids, whiteflies, or mites. To prevent this, you can use a safe caterpillar spray called Dipel or Yates 40g Natures Way Caterpillar Killer. You can also try natural remedies such as spraying a mixture of garlic and parsley in water on your plants, which should repel bugs.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Pests | Caterpillars, slugs, snails, grasshoppers, beetles, earwigs, aphids, whitefly, mites |
| Prevention | Pick off by hand, use organic insecticide, use fine netting, use Dipel, use chilli and water spray, use garlic and parsley spray |
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What You'll Learn
Caterpillars, slugs, and snails are common pests
Caterpillars, in particular, can be voracious eaters, chewing up everything in their path, including basil and other herbs. They can be challenging to spot due to their small size and excellent hiding abilities. However, telltale signs of their presence include holes in the leaves and slight thickenings of the stem. To control caterpillar infestations, gardeners recommend picking them off by hand or using natural caterpillar killers like Dipel, a safe caterpillar spray that is effective even on edibles.
Slugs and snails are another common culprit behind basil damage, especially during periods of high humidity and rainfall. They tend to feed at night and can be difficult to spot, hiding within pots or cracks between bricks. To protect basil seedlings from these slimy pests, gardeners suggest using a product like OCP eco-shield. Additionally, placing a saucer of beer near the plants can attract and drown slugs and snails, providing some relief.
To prevent pest damage to basil plants, it is essential to identify the specific pest causing the problem. During the day, check for caterpillars and keep an eye out for signs of their feeding activity. At night, go out with a flashlight to look for slugs and snails, especially after rainy periods when they may be more active. By understanding the pests' behaviour and preferences, gardeners can implement targeted control measures to protect their basil plants and ensure a healthy harvest.
In addition to these common pests, other bugs like grasshoppers, beetles, and earwigs may also nibble on basil leaves. To repel a variety of insects, some gardeners recommend creating a natural spray by mixing garlic and parsley with water and applying it to the plants. This method can help protect basil from a broader range of pests without resorting to harsh chemicals.
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Natural remedies to stop pests
Basil is an easy-to-grow herb with a strong aroma that can be grown in pots or the ground. However, basil plants are prone to pest infestations, which can leave the leaves full of holes. Here are some natural remedies to stop pests from eating your basil:
Cayenne Pepper Spray
Mix cayenne pepper powder with water (3 tablespoons per cup) and gently swirl the mixture. Put the mixture into a large spray bottle and spray it on the basil. This method works well against aphids, whiteflies, spider mites, and Japanese beetles. Be careful not to use too much or too little, as it may harm the basil or be ineffective. Cayenne pepper has a strong scent and is a powerful pest repellent.
Garlic and Parsley Spray
Finely chop garlic and parsley and put them in a spray bottle of water. Spray the mixture on your basil plants to repel bugs.
Onion and Garlic Spray
Slice onions and place them in a bowl of water to keep spiders away. Place the bowl near spider entry points in your home. For a garlic spray, crush two garlic bulbs, pour boiling water over them, and let the mixture steep overnight. Strain it before putting it in a spray bottle, and apply it at insect entry points.
Lemon and Orange Essential Oils
Combine five drops of lemon or orange essential oil with soap and 3 cups of water to make a natural spider repellent spray. Lemon juice can also be sprayed around cracks to deter spiders. Place lemon or orange peels in areas where spiders and other pests congregate, such as bookshelves and cupboards.
Beer Traps
Pour a small amount of beer into a bottle cap and place it at ground level near your basil plants. Slugs are attracted to the beer and will be trapped, preventing them from reaching your basil.
In addition to these natural remedies, there are organic insecticides available specifically for caterpillars, such as OCP eco-caterpillar killer or Yates 40g Natures Way Caterpillar Killer Dipel Insecticide.
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Beer traps for slugs and snails
If you're finding that something is eating your basil plants, it could be caterpillars, snails, or slugs. One way to get rid of the latter two is to use beer traps.
Slugs and snails are attracted to the yeasty, fermented odour of beer. They will make their way to the beer, fall into the liquid, and drown or die of alcohol poisoning. You can use any type of beer, but inexpensive ones are recommended. Place the traps about every square yard (1 m) in the areas where you’re seeing slug activity.
To make a beer trap, you will need a container such as a cup, tray, or small, clean cottage cheese or yoghurt container, and some beer. You can also add a touch of honey to the beer, although this is not necessary. Place the containers in holes in the soil so that the edge of the trap is about half an inch taller than the surrounding ground. You can also use plastic tubs, like the ones margarine comes in, and fill them with beer, water, yeast, and sugar (slightly fermented).
Check the traps daily and add more beer as needed. Remove dead slugs and snails and put them in the compost, or leave them in your yard or garden for slug predators such as birds, snakes, and toads.
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Spraying plants with garlic and parsley
Basil is an easy-to-grow herb with strong aromatic leaves. However, it is prone to pest and disease problems. Caterpillars, snails, and slugs are some of the common pests that feast on basil leaves. Other pests include aphids, whiteflies, and mites. To protect your basil plants, you can use a safe caterpillar spray called Dipel or Yates 40g Natures Way Caterpillar Killer. Alternatively, you can make your own natural pesticide by spraying your plants with garlic and parsley.
Garlic spray is a cheap, eco-friendly, and effective way to keep pests off your plants. It is also a natural repellent for many insects. To make a basic garlic spray, start by peeling and crushing four to five garlic cloves. Add one quart of water and a few drops of natural, biodegradable soap. Strain the mixture through cheesecloth to remove any solid pieces, then transfer it to a spray bottle. Spray the tops and bottoms of the leaves, making sure to cover the foliage evenly. For best results, apply the spray in the early evening, and reapply every few days or after rain.
You can also add other ingredients to your garlic spray to enhance its effectiveness. For example, you can make an onion, chilli, and garlic spray to help keep ladybugs away. Alternatively, you can add hot pepper to the mixture, but be careful as this can burn if it comes into contact with your eyes, nose, or mouth.
In addition to spraying, you can also intercrop garlic with your basil plants to help repel pests. However, avoid planting garlic near legumes, peas, and potatoes.
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Using Dipel to kill caterpillars
Basil is an easy-to-grow herb with strong aromatic leaves that can be grown in pots or the ground. However, basil is prone to pest damage from caterpillars, snails, slugs, and other insects. One way to get rid of caterpillars is to use Yates 40g Natures Way Caterpillar Killer Dipel Insecticide, an organic caterpillar control product that can be used on edibles.
Dipel DF is a water-dispersible, dust-free, dry, flowable, granular biological insecticide that is labelled to control most Lepidopteran (caterpillar) insects. It contains the bacteria Bacillus thuringiensis v. kurstaki or Btk, which is safe and effective. It is used for organic control of caterpillars and borers on fruits, citrus, tropical fruits, vegetables, grains, bulbs, flowers, herbs, turf, ornamental trees, and shrubs. It is best used when the larvae are actively feeding but before the plants are heavily damaged.
Dipel should be applied by ground or aerial equipment with sufficient water to provide thorough coverage of infested plants. It is recommended to apply Dipel at the first sign of any crop damage, between April and October. After ingesting a lethal dose, larvae stop feeding within the hour and will die within a few hours to 3 days.
Please note that there are legal responsibilities covering the storage and use of professional-use pesticides. These responsibilities are covered by The Food and Environment Protection Act 1985 (FEPA) and Control of Pesticide Regulations 1986 (COPR). Always read the label and product information before use.
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Frequently asked questions
Caterpillars, slugs, snails, beetles, earwigs, aphids, whiteflies, and mites are common pests that eat basil.
Check the main stem and leaves for signs of pests. Look for holes in the leaves, thickening of the stem, or visible pests.
You can pick them off by hand or spray the plant with a caterpillar killer like Dipel or Yates 40g Natures Way Caterpillar Killer Dipel Insecticide.
Place a saucer of beer near the basil plants to attract and kill the slugs and snails. You can also hand-pick them at night or use snail pellets.
Yes, you can try spraying the plants with a mixture of garlic, parsley, and water, or chilli and water.
