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I'm growing basil out of a pot in Los Angeles. It went well for the first few months, then something started eating it (not me, unfortunately). There are little black dots (small bugs?) and sometimes larger, but still tiny, white bugs, all over it. I'm assuming this is what's eating it? I don't want to use toxic chemicals. Is there a way to get rid of these bugs naturally, or using natural pesticides? I haven't tried to bring it inside yet; I have cats that like green things, and we don't get any sun in our apartment.
(I included a photo of the bugs - sorry about the quality)
I feel your pain. My basil is totally decimated with only the ribs left. I used a systemic bug killer, and also the safe bio soap stuff, but to no avail. I'm afraid that my dreams of a huge pasta laden summer full of fresh basil is not going to happen.
I'm almost ready to spray it with toxic chemicals..if I can't eat it, at least I'll kill the little f***ers.
my grandma tried this one and it is an old one . mix 1/4 tsp white vinegar and water just enough to barely smell the vinegar and spray the basil at night and then in the morning you will see dead bugs or whatever is on there . Let me know how it works for you .
Thanks for the tips. I'll try the soap - it doesn't hurt the basil?
Not at all. Just avoid lathering up when the plant is in direct sun. And don't forget to rinse off the leaves before you use them, or you'll be wondering why your pesto tastes like dish soap ...
most pests avoid herball plants and other with strong smell. . . call your local cooperative extension office to inquire of the master gardeners in your region, they should know!
So I sorely neglected my basil after starting this thread, other than watering it (and I feel horribly guilty! Poor basil). I just went out to check on it and found it completely annihilated! I sprayed it with very diluted vinegar and weeded out the bad leaves, and discovered that it was covered in caterpillars!
First of all, if I moved the caterpillars away from the basil, will they come back? I removed all of them and put them far away from the basil; there are plants there and concrete between them and the basil.
Second, did the caterpillars develop from the black specks? Or are they a separate problem?
Edited to add:
I just came across http://www.linglesherbs.com/pests.htm (broken link) - is it possible the original black specks weren't actually bugs but were caterpillar waste pellets? The specks are still there. Or maybe they're eggs?
Last edited by ElleBebe; 08-05-2009 at 05:40 PM..
Reason: a new theory
So I sorely neglected my basil after starting this thread, other than watering it (and I feel horribly guilty! Poor basil). I just went out to check on it and found it completely annihilated! I sprayed it with very diluted vinegar and weeded out the bad leaves, and discovered that it was covered in caterpillars!
First of all, if I moved the caterpillars away from the basil, will they come back? I removed all of them and put them far away from the basil; there are plants there and concrete between them and the basil.
Second, did the caterpillars develop from the black specks? Or are they a separate problem?
Edited to add:
I just came across Lingle's Herbs Plant Pest Guide (http://www.linglesherbs.com/pests.htm - broken link) - is it possible the original black specks weren't actually bugs but were caterpillar waste pellets? The specks are still there. Or maybe they're eggs?
When I saw them....I thought they looked like caterpillar poops...I have tracked caterpillars before.....You are correct.
When I saw them....I thought they looked like caterpillar poops...I have tracked caterpillars before.....You are correct.
Fantastic! (Well, not really) Thanks for confirming my theory. At least now I know what I'm battling!
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