Does Basil Repel Bugs In Garden?

Basil compliments a variety of dishes but is also good at repelling pests such as mosquitoes and houseflies. Importantly, basil works as a bug repellent when crushed.

How do I use basil as insect repellent?

Instead of spraying yourself with DEET or other chemicals, simply crush a few basil leaves and rub them on your skin and clothing. The basil will repel bothersome pests, including mosquitoes. If mosquitoes are your most prominent pest, lime basil (Ocimum americanum) and holy basil (Ocimum sanctu) work best.

Is basil a good bug repellent?

As one of the most pungent herbs, I can easily see why basil makes the list as a natural mosquito repellent. It makes sense, because basil is known as the perfect companion plant to tomatoes to help keep bugs away.

Are mosquitoes attracted to basil?

Basil brings us delicious pesto sauce and tasty salads, but it can also keep away mosquitoes. This plant naturally emits its aroma, so there’s no need to crush the leaves or prepare it in any way. Basil is toxic to mosquito larvae, so you can put it near standing water to deter mosquitoes from laying eggs.

What bugs does basil attract?

Aside from people, there are a variety of things that eat basil. Japanese beetles, slugs, and aphids are the most common basil pests. Other pests include whiteflies, spider mites, caterpillars, and thrips.

Is basil toxic to dogs?

Yes! Basil is healthy for your dog to eat in small quantities. It’s anti-inflammatory and contains a high level of antioxidants that help prevent many types of illness including cancer. Basil also helps prevent cellular damage, calms your anxious dog, and eases arthritis pain.

What kind of bugs does basil repel?

Basil. An ever popular herb and a great source of Vitamin A. Basil compliments a variety of dishes but is also good at repelling pests such as mosquitoes and houseflies. Importantly, basil works as a bug repellent when crushed.

Do basil plants attract bugs?

A handful of insects are attracted to the basil plant. The Japanese Beetle, slugs, thrips, aphids, spider mites, and some caterpillars. Smaller insects can be removed with a strong water spray, while larger garden pests can be picked off by hand.

How do I keep bugs out of my vegetable garden?

Make A Stink: Many aromatic herbs, like yarrow, citronella, mint, fennel, catnip, basil, and lemongrass are natural deterrents for garden pests from aphids to potato beetles. As an added bonus, some of these herbs also attract the predators that keep pests under control.

Does basil deter ants?

Basil has certain aromatic oils which are known to repel creepy crawlies, such as ants, spiders, summer houseflies and mosquitos. It can actually be used to make a DIY bug-repellant spray if you mix it with witch hazel.

What kind of plants keep bugs away?

Marigolds
The marigold is one of the most well-known insect-repelling plants and with good reason — they have a scent that will keep pests like mosquitoes, nematodes like cabbage worms, and other pests away. Plant marigolds to attract beneficial insects that attack and kill aphids.

What plant do mosquitoes hate the most?

11 Plants & Herbs That Naturally Repel Mosquitoes

1. Citronella. Chances are, you’ve heard of this one before- it’s one of the most common ingredients in most mosquito repellents.
2. Lemon Balm.
3. Catnip.
4. Marigolds.
5. Basil.
6. Lavender.
7. Peppermint.
8. Garlic.

Do spiders like basil?

Basil. All basil (Ocimum basilicum) varieties—Genovese, cinnamon, lemon, and Thai basil—have a strong scent that deters spiders. It is a cold-sensitive herb that can be grown as a perennial in warm climates and indoors.

Is basil a natural pesticide?

Basil is an insect repellent herb and is used to repel various insects. However, when the life of its own plant is in danger, it requires the help of insecticides. Rather than rushing to the nearest chemist and purchasing some chemical pesticides, it is better to opt for less harsh solutions for the problem.

What eats basil at night?

Slugs and snails also tend to eat basil at night. If you notice a lot of the leaf damage is happening over night, it’s a strong sign that it’s a slug or snail snacking on that precious basil leaf.

Do dogs like the smell of basil?

Fresh Herbs
Basil, mint, rosemary, and thyme all have a very pungent aroma when grown fresh and picked fresh, making them an excellent addition to gardens that you’d like to keep dogs out of. The abundant presence of volatile aromatic oils in these herbs is what gives them their dog-deterring power.

Are cats attracted to basil?

Also, cats love the flavor of the basil leaves. They might like it if you sprinkle them as seasonings in your cat food as well.

Is basil harmful to cats?

Basil is one of the most widely grown herbs safe for cats. As any cat owner knows, they love to chew on whatever they can get their teeth on, and basil is a chewy leaf that is good for them.

How do I get rid of bugs in my garden naturally?

10 Natural Ways to Eliminate Garden Insect Pests

1. Start with “Clean” Soil. Good soil can actually deter garden insect pests.
2. Buy Disease and Pest-Resistant Seeds.
3. Selectively and Aggressively Thin Out Plants.
4. Water Plants in the Early Morning.
5. Control Weeds.
6. Keep your Garden Clean.
7. Use Insect Traps.
8. Add Beneficial Insects.

What to plant with tomatoes to keep bugs away?

More Herbs & Flowers to Plant with Tomatoes to Keep Bugs Away: Don’t just stop at planting Marigolds with your tomatoes. For further protection from pest bugs, you can also plant basil, beans, bee balm, borage, sweet alyssum, chives, garlic, nasturtium, mint, anise, onion, and parsley.

Does basil keep aphids away?

Basil- Repels flies, mosquitoes, carrot fly and white flies. Borage- Repels tomato hornworm and cabbage worms. Chamomile- Repels flies, mosquitoes, carrot fly. Chives- Repels carrot fly, aphids and Japanese beetles.