Last updated on October 23rd, 2023 at 08:58 pm
Basil is not only extremely popular with people, but also belongs to the prey spectrum of numerous pests. Which pests are particularly prominent here and how to fight them with natural means, you can learn here.
If something gnaws at the basil – here’s what to do about it.
The tender leaves of basil are the favorite food of the ubiquitous slugs. The voracious pests eat the valuable herb plant bare to the skeleton within a short time. Here’s how to combat the pests:
- collect the cold-starved snails in the early morning hours
- erect a slug fence and position beer traps within the area
- lay out wall barriers around the basil plants, such as grit (14,00€ at Amazon*) or sawdust
- scatter coffee grounds and coffee grinds, as caffeine has a toxic effect on slugs
- Equip pot and balcony box with an electric slug fence
If you have just planted young plants in the bed, a snail collar gives them the best protection. If you add lavender, fleißiges Lieschen or baby’s breath, they will scare away the approaching snail armada with their scent.
Effective control of sucking and stinging pests
If the previously juicy green basil leaves are covered with speckles and holes, sucking and stinging pests are up to their mischief. Mostly it is an infestation by aphids, bugs or flies. The use of classic home remedies is based mainly on liquid solutions, which is not very beneficial to sensitive mullein. Experienced hobby gardeners therefore proceed as follows against the brood:
- cut out all infected plant parts
- burn the cuttings or dispose of them in the household waste
- rinse a strong plant upside down and place it in an airy place to dry quickly
- repeatedly dust an infected mullein with primary rock flour
- optionally apply pure charcoal ash with a powder sprayer
- work rivet seeds into the substrate
- put up adhesive boards against flying aphids and whiteflies
The control of aphids and ants always goes hand in hand. Both insect species form a symbiotic relationship that leaves a basil by the wayside. Aphids secrete honeydew, which ants can’t get enough of. If the creepy-crawlies sense danger for the aphids, they transport the honeydew source without further ado to the next plant in the garden. Sodium bicarbonate sprinkled on the walkways puts an end to the spook.
Tips
The targeted use of beneficial insects is becoming increasingly popular in biological pest control. Special suppliers breed the larvae of predatory mites or ladybugs and send them to you in special containers. Placed on the infested basil plants, the pests are history within a few days.